Artist wins exchange to India

Artist Michael Bullock has been selected to participate in the 2013 Asialink Arts Residency Program and will travel to India to extend on his research into the use and trade of sandalwood

Mr Bullock will undertake the Spaced Reciprocal Residency exchange program that will see him travel to India in September to spend three months at the 1. Shanthiroad, Bangalore studio gallery, while an Indian artist will work within a regional community in Western Australia with IASKA.

Both artists will develop works during their residency to form part of IASKA’s biennial exhibition Spaced: art out of place, due to open at the Museum of Western Australia in 2015.

Mr Bullock works mainly in sculpture and painting within Monash University Art Design & Architecture (MADA) and has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions, symposiums and workshops throughout Australia and Asia. 

Under exchange in India, Mr Bullock will continue his current research on the use and trade of sandalwood, of both Australian and Indian varieties.

The woods are valued for their perfume and used for the manufacture of incense in Hindu and Buddhist ceremony.  Bangalore and its surrounding cities are at the centre of the Indian sandalwood industry.

“Bangalore’s proximity to the city of Mysore is a creative entry to India, as Mysore is famous for the production of sandalwood. The tree’s fragile and unique ecology as a parasitic tree, as well as its sensual aromatic properties allow an artist many poetic opportunities,” Mr Bullock said.

“The long-standing historical trade of this material throughout Asia is one that I am fascinated by and is similar to the trade of Western Australian sandalwood back to Asia. I am intrigued by the relevance of these ancient trade routes in a global market place.

“India’s contemporary emergence on the global stage is exciting. I am looking forward to working as an artist and immersing myself in a very different artistic community.”

Mr Bullock was one of 24 arts professionals from across the country  selected for Asialink’s annual Arts Residency Program.

The grants of up to $12,000 provide the recipients with opportunities to live and work in Asia for up to three months to further their practice writing, visual arts, performing arts, and arts management.

Each year, the Asialink Arts Residency Program sends approximately 30 Australian writers, performers, artists and arts managers to undertake residencies in Asia.