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.

Galleries are open today, 10am–5pm. Our exhibitions are always free.

Laura Heffernan

Quick Response Residency

Quick Response Residency

During her residency at PICA Laura Heffernan will develop a series of embellished craft pieces that explore our human need for connection and how this sits alongside our awareness of our own death. Arising from increasing anxiety around the inevitable future loss of her parents, Heffernan draws on the life cycle of fungi as a metaphor for death, rebirth and renewal.

Working across installation, painting, handicrafts and production design for the theatre, Laura’s multidisciplinary arts practice is confessional and often investigates themes of emotional history, romantic limerence and internal dialogue. Since studying at the School of Contemporary Arts Edith Cowan University and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, she has worked with WA’s Black Swan State Theatre Company, The Last Great Hunt, City of Perth, Perth Fashion Festival, Beaufort Street Festival, Pigeonhole, PICA and WAYTCo amongst others. Most recently, Laura completed a residency at Cool Change Contemporary and in July 2022 received an Outstanding Stage Design PAWA (Performing Arts WA) nomination for her work on the acclaimed production of Unheimlich at PICA in 2021. 


Supporters

PICA’s Studio Program is supported by PICA’s Art Ambassadors.