Throughout my practice I am informed and inspired by the many layers of narrative both human and nonhuman that, over time, build a memory of and connection to place.
As I wandered through this landscape I identified and recorded the evidence of many overlayed stories embedded in the sediments of history of the Mokoan (Winton Wetlands). These were changes that left behind marks and monuments – clues to a past that has shaped the present. The current regeneration is now forging new narratives on this resilient land.
My photographic sequences, collages and poems in book forms offer a different reading of this dynamic wetlands’ narrative. But as I write and photograph to record in situ moments of recognition and questioning, I have come to understand that my work here is only just beginning.
Image: Victoria Cooper (L) with fellow Creatives, Maggie Hollins and Doug Spowart
ARTWORKS
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Cover)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Title Page)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Spread 1)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Spread 2)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Spread 3)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Spread 4)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
Poem to do
- Artist: Victoria Cooper
- Title: Desire Paths #4 (Spread 4)
- Date: 2024
- Medium: Artists Book
ARTIST’S BIOGRAPHY and their broader art practice
Dr Victoria Cooper’s visual work and research is informed by a background in biological sciences and a nascent understanding of the philosophy of science/art/place. She is interested in the power imbalances between the human/non-human and the seen/unseen dichotomies in colonial narratives. During her 30-year arts career, she has worked across the broad spectrum of photographic practice including: cyanotype, pinhole, camera obscura and digital photomontage. Her photographs and, when conceptually relevant, her poetic texts are formed into bodies of work for exhibitions and artists books.
In 2022, a collaborative work with Spowart was selected as a finalist in both the Mullin’s Conceptual Photography Award and the Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book prize. Her individual and collaborative artists’ books (with Spowart) can be found in most significant national and private collections and has recently been acquired by State Libraries, major Regional Galleries, The National Library of Australia and the British Library.
ART GROUP MEMBERSHIPS
- GANEAA
- NAVA Professional member
Contact Details
- Email: greatdivide@a1.com.au
- Location: Benalla
ONLINE PRESENCE
- https://wotwedid.com
- @wotwesaw
