CATHERINE BELL
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Catherine Bell is a multi-disciplinary artist and academic based in Melbourne. Her creative-led research explores the role of the artist in the archive and healthcare setting, art on the margins, socially-engaged and relational approaches to art making, feminist and care ethics in collaborative practice and challenging taboos surrounding death and dying. Yearlong artist residencies in the oncology ward at St Vincent’s Hospital (2016-17) and Caritas Christi Hospice (2012-13) in Melbourne involved implementing sustained, communal creativity with patients and staff to promote reflective and meaningful discussion on death and the dying.  

Recent exhibitions include: 2019-21 Craftivism: Dissident Objects and Subversive Forms, Shepparton Art Museum curated exhibition, touring nationally by NETS Victoria; 2019 New Woman, Museum of Brisbane, QLD; 2018 In The Bird’s Mouth, Bow Arts, London; 2017 We Die As We Live, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Melbourne https://issuu.com/cebell/docs/catherine_bell____we_die_as_we_live

Catherine was awarded an Australian Post-Graduate Award to complete her PhD at Monash University in 2003-07 and has been the recipient of numerous grants including: 2019 Australia Council and NETs Victoria funding to tour her curated show Fem-affinity nationally throughout 2020-21; 2018 Australia Council Visual Arts Board Grant; 2017 City of Melbourne Presentation Grant; 2016 National Award for University Teaching; and 2015 CAUL and ASA Fellowship. Bell is represented by Sutton Gallery, Melbourne https://suttongallery.com.au/artists/catherine-bell/

Photo caption: Catherine Bell, Family Group (2018). Hand-carved florist oasis foam. Image courtesy the artist and Sutton Gallery, Melbourne. Photo: Andrew Curtis