| Artist | Senescence | Resides | Australia |
| Print Shop | artstation.com/jameliorate | Medium | Copic marker and generic, coloured and lead pencil, ink, pen (felt tip, ballpoint |
| Follow the Artist | [email protected] | ||
| Themes | Children’s and women’s rights Childhood abuse prevention / awareness Human anatomy Science fiction and the surreal Transhumanism Psychological states Eating disorder Female strength and empowerment Consciousness and lucid dreaming Human evolution |
About the artist
Born in Adelaide Australia Senescence began informally illustrating in black and white pencil at an early age, before entering the visual arts industry at eighteen. Following their various roles in the commercial graphic arts sector they completed a psychology and then medical degree, ultimately specializing in the teaching of surgical and medical anatomy at the University of Adelaide and University of Melbourne.
After over fifteen years in their academic role, and just before the birth of their daughter, Senescence was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor as well as several other health concerns. Unable to return to work they have come full circle to their origins in art. Having not created work themselves for over two decades, nor outside of the commercial space, Senescence begins this part of their life anew, merging several decades of experience into one. Their recent works have been inspired by a wish to empower children and those who have been affected by abuse, bringing awareness to a wider audience of how important it is to protect their rights.
Senescence is the 3rd Prize winner of the 33PA Emerging Artist Award, Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2024.
Artwork Themes & Subject Matter
Senescence’s recent works are an amalgamation of their life experiences to date. Having taught human anatomy to surgical trainees and medical students for many years they are no stranger to the importance of accurate anatomical depictions in education. However, their personal work intentionally moves away from this sterile clinical accuracy to focus more on emotion, movement and the communication of ideas. Whilst internally we are all largely similar, there are always unique structural differences between us, better known as anatomical variation. These anatomical variations are of key importance in surgical and clinical settings, but are also a reminder that our genetics and life stories shape as much of us on the outside as they do in. For these reasons Senescence aims to work with the notion of individual variation being shaped by experience and how often our own psychological states can be a powerful lens through which we see ourselves, warping and focussing reality.
Having left home at an early age and spending some time living on the streets, Senescence’s work also speaks to their own and other’s experiences of abuse, particularly with a view to creating awareness of how traumatic experiences shape our own sense of perceived identity. They are driven to depictions of strong, bold and confident female forms who choose to embrace their uniqueness and hopes to promote a greater understanding and public dialogue about the problems of abuse facing billions of children each day. Their influences take the form of both Japanese and European surrealism, medicine and transhumanism merged with their life.
CV
Education
Adelaide Central School of Arts | 1995 | Norwood SA 5067 AUSTRALIA
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Adelaide Medical School | 2014 | Adelaide SA 5000 AUSTRALIA
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Adelaide Medical School | 2012 | Adelaide SA 5000 AUSTRALIA Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Psychology (B.Arts / B.Pscyh), University of Adelaide Medical School | 2008 | Adelaide SA 5000 AUSTRALIA
