Julie Bartholomew
Location
Gadigal/Sydney, NSW
About
Dr Julie Bartholomew is a craft artist, educator and writer. Bartholomew has
maintained a high research and exhibition profile through academic studies,
exhibitions in Australia and abroad, published articles and international art
residencies.
Through her art practice Bartholomew explores contemporary issues and social
debates. Since 2010, her practice has responded to environmental concerns with the
intention of creating conversations around species extinction and our climate
emergency.
Bartholomew has been extensively involved with art education as an academic and
university lecturer. She was Head of Ceramics at the Australian National University
in Canberra and the University of South Australia. Her academic achievements
culminated in the award of a Doctorate of Fine Arts.
The artist’s experimental practice has been fostered by numerous art residencies.
These include the Australia Council’s Studio in Tokyo, the Red Gate Residency in
Beijing, Asialink in Taiwan, the Taoxichuan International Residency in Jingdezhen,
China, the Gujarat Global Art Festival in India and Resident Artist at Canberra
Glassworks, 2023.
Bartholomew’s work is held in public collections including the National Gallery of
Australia and the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, Yingge Ceramics
Museum in Taiwan and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art
Museum, USA.
Artist Statement
Activism in Australian Ceramics
Contemporary ceramic art practices are making a significant contribution to art activism, which now pervades across media, reflecting troubled times exacerbated by shifting geopolitical powerplays and totalitarian governance.
As a craft-based contemporary art practice, Ceramic art often has an edge over
artworks from other disciplines as carriers of subversive intent. The affinity
generated by ceramics does more than simply inform audiences; it physically
captures, engages, and draws empathy. Ceramics are capable of embracing
contentious subject matter in unique ways, and on its own terms.
Activism in Australian Ceramics is the title of this presentation which brings together
artists who address some of today's pressing issues and challenges. While not
providing definitive resolutions, the provocative works discussed in this
presentation allude to issues such as war, injustice, social discord, a waning faith in
political systems, notions of truth, and our global climate crisis – and thus strike
powerful chords. These creators emphasise the role of the artist as activist, making
work that can spark debate, sway opinion, or encourage engagement with major
issues of our time.