The Physics Room Announces Two Artists in Residence for 2007
The Physics Room is pleased to announce two Artists in Residence for 2007, Auckland-based artist Shigeyuki Kihara and
Dunedin-based artist Bekah Carran. Following on from the success of The Physics Room 2006 residency, which hosted
internationally renowned Berlin/Istanbul-based artist Ayse Erkmen for a 6-week residency, The Physics Room is delighted
to continue this energy into the future with the announcement of these two exciting New Zealand artists for the 2007
residency.
Shigeyuki Kihara works with photographic self-portraits to explore themes of identity, ethnography, sexuality and
artistic practice, which are informed by her Samoan/Japanese heritage. During her time in Christchurch Kihara will
research the photographic collection at the MacMillan Brown Research Library at the University of Canterbury, and work
towards the development of a new photographic series in response to early anthropological photographs of Samoan culture.
Kihara will begin her 4-week residency in May 2007.
Bekah Carran’s sculptural practice is characterised by her observations of the world around which she translates into
poetic installations that have a sense of optimism blended with meticulous use of materials. Carran has a BFA from Otago
Polytechnic School of Fine Art, and was a member of the Blue Oyster Gallery Trust. Carran will work on research and
development of a self-sustaining nomadic art shelter. She will begin her 4-week residency in June 2007.
The 2007 Physics Room Residency has been developed partnership with The Arts Centre, Christchurch, who generously
supports the programme by providing accommodation and studio facilities for the artists.
The Physics Room receives major funding from Creative New Zealand/Toi Aotearoa.
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The Physics Room contemporary art space
www.physicsroom.org.nz
ENDS