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One of the essential threads in my work concerns my split identity as a Chinese-Australian artist. This question of ‘split-ness’ is also an intrinsic part of the Australian psyche. The essence of Australian society is multiracial and culturally diverse. Having work like mine in the collection means that Artbank recognises the importance of presenting this diversity. Artbank needs to be ‘broad and eccentric’ otherwise it would be a very hollow group of works.
Lindy Lee
What is your relationship to Artbank?
My work is represented in the Artbank collection. It is one of the most extensive and inclusive national collections in Australia and presents an in depth profile of contemporary Australian art. It’s a very important collection for any artist to be in.
When was your work first purchased by the Artbank Collection? Do you remember your response to that purchase?
Art bank has been collecting my work since 1991. I was still a young artist so it was a very important boost to my confidence. Often artists work very much alone. Sometimes it’s difficult to maintain a creative practice in isolation. I remember that the purchase validated my practice. It wasn’t just about the financial support but that there was also a critical acceptance of my work.
The Artbank Collection is a broad and even eccentric collection. How would you characterise your own work? What is the importance of your work we have in collection to you or to the collection.
One of the essential threads in my work concerns my split identity as a Chinese-Australian artist. This question of ‘split-ness’ is also an intrinsic part of the Australian psyche. The essence of Australian society is multiracial and culturally diverse. Having work like mine in the collection means that Artbank recognises the importance of presenting this diversity. Artbank needs to be ‘broad and eccentric’ otherwise it would be a very hollow group of works.
What does being in a national collection mean to you? Do you feel that your work has a connection to Australian stories?
I studied in London as an art student for a few years in the 1970s. Curiously it wasn’t until I returned To Australia that I understood the content and the direction that my work needed to take. It was all about ‘identity’ and the nature of ‘self’. Foe me, building an authentic practice could only happen in the context of this country - Australia where all my formative experiences happened. My story.....my family’s story of transition, migration, experiences of racism and acceptance is part of the Australian story.
