2016: James Geurts

Australian outback coastal scene at dawn or dusk with sand in foreground and low mountains in background

Project: Floodplain

Artist James Geurts identified several sites located along the flood plain of the Birrarung River in order to draw out ecological currents and identify cultural significance.

Research at the Library uncovered histories, hydrodynamics, ecology and phenomena, which have influenced and continue to determine our relationship with the river. This research was complemented by additional research carried out at each of the identified galleries, working with local scientific researchers and environmentalists.

Durational works on paper were made at each site, evoking an abstract topographical and psychological mapping process. The final outcome of James' project may include light installations, abstract drawings, sculpture interventions, billboard displays or video.

James Geurts completed his Masters of Art at RMIT in 2009. He has been producing large-scale, site-and time-specific projects and gallery works in international contexts since 2002.

James employs an 'expanded drawing practice' to draw out the dynamics that form perception. Typically, his projects focus on features such as tidal zones, horizons, meridians and other conceptual lines and markers of place. He established the ongoing conceptual project Embassy for water in 2011 and was recently commissioned for the European Capital for Culture 2018 in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.

James' work has been presented by galleries including White Cube London, GEMAK Den Haag, Centre for Contemporary Art Tel Aviv Israel, Art Gallery of South Australia, La Chambre Blanche Quebec and the Australian Center for Contemporary Art.