The inaugural resident artist of the newly established McCahon House x Bundanon Exchange, Madison Kelly (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Pākehā), will travel to Australia in August for a month-long residency.

“My first priority with the upcoming residency is to experience the very new territory of undertaking any research internationally—as manuhiri in someone else’s whenua. In a broader sense, I’m excited to encounter the pōhatu/rocks over at Bundanon, to draw, listen, and play in their space as part of an ongoing research enquiry into percussion, mark making, and deep time whakapapa…I’m hoping to also attend some cultural burns and learn more about these incredible cycles of indigenous conservation practices.”

They have also been invited to participate in Bundanon’s public event programme as part of National Science Week. On Sunday, 18 August attendees will join Kelly for a special experience immersed in the local wilderness. The group will “use a series of guided drawing exercises, (where) participants will build up a survey record of a particular ecological zone, from the macro down to the micro.” To learn more please visit Bundanon.

Kelly graduated from the Dunedin School of Art in 2017. Grounded in Kāitahutaka, observation and sensory experience, their Ōtepoti-based practice explores the potentials of field recording, drawing, and percussion as embodied entry points for learning and sharing multispecies whakapapa. Alongside their art practice Madison is a percussionist, and lead kaiārahi/guide at Te Korowai o Mihiwaka, Orokonui Ecosanctuary (Waitati, Otago).

This month they present walk wanawana walk, a new work for Undercurrents at Te Ara Ātea in Waikirikiri Selwyn. This group show invites artists to share a “different way of seeing and thinking about our relationship to water”. Earlier in the year, Madison shared Tohu! Karaka! Braid! in Springtime is Heartbreak, a major group show featuring works by twenty-four artists at Christchurch Art Gallery. The call-and-response installation invited visitors to listen, observe and respond to recordings (in the form of both drawings and sounds).

The exchange is generously supported by Sydney-based ex-pats Brigit and David Kirk. Their support, to run over a five-year period, will enable artists from both countries to participate: “We are delighted to support this new artist exchange between Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. McCahon House and Bundanon deliver highly sought-after residencies which offer artists the opportunity to reflect on and express their art making in a new environment and a new cultural context. We know artists will use the opportunity in many different ways—contemplation, stimulation, challenge and reflection are just a few of these. We hope the exchange provides whatever it is that most supports the creative process for each artist”