Exquisite Corpstallation

Indonesian artist residencies are provided funding from all levels of government in Australia, yet little is known about the value of international artist residencies for artists' practices, impacts for institutions, or consequences in local communities. Some residencies have received criticism, including concern for lack of flexibility (Zeplin, 2009), the absence of engagement with local communities, and the circulation of elitism and privilege (Bialski, 2010). In an effort for reciprocity, FCACheartsJogja 2014 began a series of a 2 way residencies between Australian and Indonesian governments. Invited by curator Bo Svoronos, I participated in the month long residency and was curated as an artist in the Exquisite Corpostallation live art installation and exhibition at Ace House Collective. The exhibition was developed through the surrealist model of Exquisite Corpse with 5 teams of 4 artists working for 24 hours each sequentially. FCACheartsJogja was a joint contemporary arts initiative between FCAC, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Contemporary Pacific Arts Festival (CPAF) and Jogjakarta artists. Other artists included Jacob Tolo, Salote Tawale, Heather Horrocks, Alia Gabres, Taloi Havini and Bo Svoronos hosted by Kunci Cultural Studies Centre, Indonesian Contemporary Art Network (iCAN), Ace House Collective, SURVIVE Garage, Cemeti Arts House and Krack Studio. This model of working has fostered a series of collaborations between Australian and Indonesian artists for the last three years. Funded by DFAT Indonesia Embassy, Australia Council, and the Australian Indonesian Institute, the month long residency culminated in this exhibition at Ace House Collective.