Artist statement
Through my work, I often examine the complex relationships between people, materials and objects within the systems of capitalism. I seeks out the moments where subject-object relations might exist outside these systems as a way of considering alternatives to them. I have an ongoing practice of observing and collecting within daily life from which my research and creative works often evolve.
Bio
Aphra Cheesman (b. 1989, Auckland) is a contemporary jeweller currently living and working in Naarm/Melbourne. Her practice includes contemporary jewellery, objects, drawing, video and sculpture. Aphra graduated from RMIT with a BA Fine Art (Honours) in 2020 and has also completed a diploma in Jewellery and Object design at Melbourne Polytechnic. In 2019 she was selected for the Fresh! Graduate exhibition at Craft Victoria and the Gallery Marzee International Graduate Show (NL). She was also a finalist in Talente 2022 (DE). Aphra is the recipient of the Future Leaders award (Craft Victoria, 2019), the Joel Elenberg prize (RMIT, 2020) and the Emily Hope award (RMIT, 2020).
Let’s take a walk
“On our walk we encounter a few peculiar, rather incongruous objects, sometimes very much alone while others are in groups and radiate vigour and strength without ever being obtrusive. These are small things that speak to you and although you do not always know their...
An exhibition in my living room
I’ve been lucky to have had plenty of time at the workshop this year. Investigating everyday objects and materials, I have kept the parameters in which I am working broad, allowing my environment and the things within it to direct me. Walking, noticing, collecting…...
Familiar Things
Through my practice, I try to cultivate an attentiveness to the world around me. I think of making as a way of connecting to the world of people and things. Recently, I came across an essay by documentary photographer Dorothea Lange, which discusses how ‘the...
Isolation: direction, motivation, imperfection
I had my second catch up via skype with Lisa a few weeks ago. Unfortunately plans to meet in Wellington at the end of March had to be put on hold for obvious COVID-19 related reasons. I was disappointed not to be able to meet in person but we had a great chat and I...
Aphra Cheesman‘s art works:
