James Newitt (Art Forum)

Abstract

James Newitt is currently Head of the Visual Communication studio at the Tasmanian School of Art. He creates work through social engagement, predominantly using strategies such as interview, observation, facilitation and subtle direction. By engaging in particular social, political and environmental situations, James produces videos, photographs and installations that explore the spaces between individual and collective identity; memory and history; documentary and fiction; as well as subjective and objective experience. Since graduating with a PhD from the Tasmanian School of Art in 2007, James has undertaken an Australian Council for the Arts international residency in Los Angeles. He has exhibited nationally in exhibitions such as the 2008 Biennial of Australian Art, as well as internationally in Berlin and Croatia. In 2010 he was invited to participate in the prestigious Primavera exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. He has been awarded prizes such as the 2009 Qantas Foundation Encouragement of Contemporary Art Award and in 2010 he won the City of Hobart Art Prize in the digital media category. James will be speaking about his experiences of continuing an arts practice after finishing a PhD, as well as reflecting on recent international exhibitions and travels which were supported by the Qantas Foundation Award.