At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present, and to those emerging leaders in the community. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

We are closed today. Our exhibitions are always free.

Artist Talk: Nathan Beard

Artist Talk: Nathan Beard

Hear from artist Nathan Beard about his solo exhibition at PICA, A Puzzlement. Facilitated by PICA Curator Sarah Wall, Nathan will delve into the rich, varied and sometimes mischievous concepts underpinning this major exhibition, including his recent six-month residency at ACME Studios in London, UK, and fascination with Looney Tunes.

During this residency Nathan spent time researching archival collections of Thai artefacts to consider the role and legacy of colonial archives in historically informing and shaping Western visions of Thainess, and the complex intertwining of colonialism, pop culture, and cultural stereotypes.

Chicho Gelato Collaboration

To celebrate the exhibition opening, PICA has partnered with local gelato mavens Chicho Gelato to create a Thai-inspired gelato dessert, featuring coconut sticky rice and mango sorbet.

This new take on a classic Thai dessert will be available during the first two weekends of A Puzzlement, from 29 & 30 October and 5 & 6 November.

About the Artist

Nathan Beard (born 1987) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Boorloo, Perth, Western Australia.  

Recent exhibitions include White Gilt 2.0, Firstdraft, NSW (2020); Here&Now20: Perfectly Queer, Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, WA (2020); White Gilt, Cool Change Contemporary, WA (2019); A dense intimacy, Bus Projects, VIC (2019); Siamese Smize, Turner Galleries, WA (2018); and WA Focus: Nathan Beard, Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA (2017). In 2017 Beard participated in the 4A Beijing Studio Program and is undertaking the Australia Council Residency at ACME Studios, London in 2022. He has been a finalist in the Ramsay Art Prize (2021), The Churchie National Emerging Art Prize (2020) John Stringer Prize (2017), and Fremantle Art Centre Print Award (2015, 2016, Highly Commended 2017, 2018). In 2021 Beard guest edited Runway Journal 43: Divine. 


Supporters

The research of A Puzzlement is facilitated with the support from the Australia Council and ACME Studios programme for 2020/21. 

This project received funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. 

Image: Olivia Senior