it’s difficult to explain.
we would like to know
where we come from
we didn’t know when
don’t forget what we always said
you know I never realised
as you said you’d be coming over soon
the decisions are yours
when you arrive
once you’ve settled
you can then in turn
send for them
if they’ve adapted
to their new home
it’s difficult to explain
how things are re: form of departure
cultural/national
there/here
memory/history
other/self
difference/sameness
mythology/reality
left/right
ambiguous/unquestionable
dirty/clean
immigrant/expat
your planned sea trip
you decide on a sea trip
Stages of immigration:
(1) decision to depart;
(2) forms of departure;
(3) settling in;
(4) adapting; and
(5) forming a new identity
Amelia Johannes is an artist based in Melbourne, Australia. Johannes’ practice visually explores identity, uncertainty, memory and tradition. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Johannes’ artworks are influenced by research into identity, migration, lived tradition, cultural heritage and anthropology. Her artworks examine how tradition is formed, and her practice is an ongoing examination into the construction of the self. Her creative investigations re-assemble collected materials, in idiosyncratic ways, to emphasise patterns and transform the original material into visually abstract forms.
Johannes completed Master of Fine Art (By Research) at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. She has exhibited as a professional artist in Australia and internationally. Having presented solo exhibitions at Firstdraft gallery (Sydney), Propaganda Window (Melbourne) and Linden Centre for Contemporary Art (Melbourne), and group exhibitions and video festivals including Tele Visions (Sydney), Gertrude Street Projection Festival (Fitzroy), Nite Art Festival (Melbourne), Filmideo (New Jersey), BF Artist Festival (London), NYC Independent Film Festival (New York) and Artist and Location, CICA Museum (Korea).
it’s difficult to explain.
we would like to know
where we come from
we didn’t know when
don’t forget what we always said
you know I never realised
as you said you’d be coming over soon
the decisions are yours
when you arrive
once you’ve settled
you can then in turn
send for them
if they’ve adapted
to their new home
it’s difficult to explain
how things are re: form of departure
cultural/national
there/here
memory/history
other/self
difference/sameness
mythology/reality
left/right
ambiguous/unquestionable
dirty/clean
immigrant/expat
your planned sea trip
you decide on a sea trip
Stages of immigration:
(1) decision to depart;
(2) forms of departure;
(3) settling in;
(4) adapting; and
(5) forming a new identity
Amelia Johannes is an artist based in Melbourne, Australia. Johannes’ practice visually explores identity, uncertainty, memory and tradition. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Johannes’ artworks are influenced by research into identity, migration, lived tradition, cultural heritage and anthropology. Her artworks examine how tradition is formed, and her practice is an ongoing examination into the construction of the self. Her creative investigations re-assemble collected materials, in idiosyncratic ways, to emphasise patterns and transform the original material into visually abstract forms.
Johannes completed Master of Fine Art (By Research) at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. She has exhibited as a professional artist in Australia and internationally. Having presented solo exhibitions at Firstdraft gallery (Sydney), Propaganda Window (Melbourne) and Linden Centre for Contemporary Art (Melbourne), and group exhibitions and video festivals including Tele Visions (Sydney), Gertrude Street Projection Festival (Fitzroy), Nite Art Festival (Melbourne), Filmideo (New Jersey), BF Artist Festival (London), NYC Independent Film Festival (New York) and Artist and Location, CICA Museum (Korea).
Runway Journal acknowledges the custodians of the nations our digital platform reaches. We extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations artists, writers and audiences.
Runway Journal is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Runway Journal receives project support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Runway Journal acknowledges the custodians of the nations our digital platform reaches. We extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations artists, writers and audiences.
Runway Journal is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Runway Journal receives project support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.