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.

Sarah Nelson

Hyper Local Artist-in-Residence

Hyper Local Artist-in-Residence

Sarah Nelson will spend her residency at PICA to further develop her current work in development, Into the Fog. Inspired by Nelson’s account of living in prolonged isolation in the UK with Long Covid (2020-21) and her subsequent development of FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), the work evolves the everyday into the hyperreal to create a visceral and surrealist expression of an internal and private world. More than promoting awareness of chronic illness, this is a universal story of disruption, loss, love and hope exploring the innately human experience of vulnerability, resilience and our need for change.

About the artist

Sarah Nelson is a Walyalup (Fremantle)-based mid-career artist with 20 years professional experience as a performer, producer and multidisciplinary artist across theatre, film and community arts.

Nelson’s  practice focuses on creating works that blend elements of theatre and dance. She translates lived experiences into movement and visual metaphors to craft a distinct visceral performance language. Through a surrealist, yet sincere lens, Sarah explores translating lived experiences into metaphorical and visual narratives. She interweaves characters with illusion, unconventional puppetry, mask, interactive set design and manipulative light techniques to drive action, imbue meaning and create striking visual narratives.

She is committed to promoting awareness and fostering authentic connections with diverse audiences, creating works that probe the complexities of the human condition and our shared need for disruption, change, connection and truth.

Supporters

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