Denise Keele-bedford / China Exhibitions

‘Women to see the world – Colorful’

The theme is "Woman to see the world • Colorful" Art Exhibition, held on April 8, 2010, at “800 show” Art Space, Shanghai, China.

The Art Exhibition organized by the Shanghai Fashion Week Organizing Committee, Net ease contractors and Huitai Art Center as an art supported organization,

Artist comment

Fashion and fine art have many similarities. Those in the fashion field, use various textiles, blending, combining and designing textures and colours to create wearable art.

Contemporary Fine Artists use various mediums also blending, combining and designing textures and colours to create visually stimulating audience experiences.

In the exhibition ‘Women to see the world – colorful’ in conjunction with Shanghai Fashion week the combination of Fine Art and Fashion highlights the similarities and experiences of the two disciplines.

It is a pleasure to be participating in the exhibition in conjunction with Shanghai Fashion Week.

‘In the beginning’

Artist Statement

The installation ‘In the beginning’ is based on the first spark of ideas.

All around us are outstanding designs in fashion, furniture and architecture but how are they developed?

‘In the beginning’ is a metaphor for those thousands of ideas that begin somewhere in some person’s mind. There is a little light spark of an idea that begins the creation process to develop something extraordinary that eventually becomes beautiful fashion, exquisite furniture and historic buildings.

Photographer: Bert Danckaert.

Netease Interview and Fashion Week review:

Check out the websites for images on Fashion week - the artists, designers and artist interviews.

a direct link to my interview is second.

OR read an extract of my interview below.

http://lady.163.com/special/002649SM/artshowonline.html

http://lady.163.com/10/0409/17/63RIU0MJ002649T5.html

NetEase woman: Denise, Welcome to China, will introduce you to the exhibition themes Why?

DENISE: I work in this exhibition is a "device" is a way for people to experience different feelings art space.

NetEase Woman: The theme of the exhibition "Art and Fashion", you think what kind of art and fashion links?

DENISE: They belong to the field of work in the creative, fashion, creative artists in their area of the designer, and art also requires creativity, so I think they both complement one another. I work in this exhibition device, it can be said is the Fashion Show's "device", the fashion designer can refer to some elements of my work, feel the fashion and art complement each other.

NetEase Woman: On the right, under your own, you are in Melbourne were born?

DENISE: yes, you can say it is not. I was born in Australia, but not in Melbourne, but in another city. When I was little, I, together with his family moved to Melbourne. From basic to settle down in Melbourne. There is a river in front of our house, very comfortable, there are many natural forests in Australia.

NetEase women: In addition to Melbourne, you spent time in other cities do?

DENISE: This is what I always do. In 2002, I visited China as a modern artist, I want to know what China is like modern art, so surfing some of China under the galleries, then I do not have time to properly look at those works of art. By 2003, I was invited to China as an artist, spent a month in Beijing. That experience has never left me, too much of modern art in Beijing than I expected, great. Since then, I come to China every year, sometimes 2-3 times each year come to participate in exhibition or to visit friends, I have many friends here. I went to a lot of Chinese cities, they are really meaningful for me.

NetEase woman: the life and work in Beijing, the city created to bring you what kind of inspiration?

DENISE: China itself to my creation have a great impact. I am now preparing another exhibition, inspired by works from the Chinese proverb on the dialect. In our culture, has a similar dialect, for example, the Chinese called "car eventually work." In our language and culture, the meaning is: "every cloud has a silver lining" (every cloud have There is a silver lining).

Now preparing an exhibition themes is a Chinese proverb saying dialect dialect and foreign portfolio, these dialect between different countries have similar points. Art exhibition in Shanghai this time is a few years ago in the Melbourne Exhibition of works, has not been a lot of Chinese Elements. Exhibition in China last year, I have been a lot of work inspired by Chinese elements. So I came to China really has a great influence creativity.

NetEase Woman: I remember you once said that "cultural difference, integration and beliefs, which formed the basis for writing me in," when you formed the basis of this creation?

DENISE: Years ago, I began to travel around. Went to Thailand, but also to many European countries. I saw many temples in Thailand, while in Europe only to find a very different culture, and began to cast doubt on the cultures and beliefs, but I do not study religion, because religion has nothing to do with my work, but I believe there is a far than we their presence is more powerful force. Many people believe that this force is in control of what we do, not us. So there are various beliefs about God, the reason that God, because I come from Western culture. Therefore, these forces of human identified as faith-based, which is the subject of my work.

Maybe we thought, maybe we in the contemplation, and then suddenly produce a new idea, and then we put these small ideas with friends and people around to share, so this small idea began to grow and become more powerful, so art "In the beginning" is a small idea of getting bigger, as dazzling as numerous small aperture is that these thoughts and beliefs linked to form work. "In the beginning" is the first three words of the Bible. These three words to me, represents the source of things. The idea is to start small after the election, how to put these ideas become great. If you want to make a movie or write a book, finally finished writing, may be very thick one, but the result, whether it is writing a book or film, are certainly an idea from a certain period initial germination.

NetEase woman: that you have encountered the greatest difficulties in what?

DENISE: I think the person should be the most difficult about my work to others to convey the theme of work want to express. Some people understand the work required is difficult. Perhaps my words are not clear, maybe when I talk, the reader can easily selective in mind, "image", automatically outline a part of my statement. Communication difficulties, is a different culture, or is their unique personality and different means of expression.

In my work, I want to share with the people, but always found himself face to face directly the existence of such communication with the difficulties. To be my age, has experienced so much. Although some bad experiences, but it is also part of life. So said the difficulties in life, bad, very sadly, are many, but for me it does not matter, because these are all experiences, is one of continuity in my life has been a topic. For me, communication is the biggest I have ever encountered difficulties. I try to learn a new language, but also the continuing difficulties.

NetEase Woman: Life in a sad thing, of course, there are happy part. Can you share your joy of it?

DENISE: I always towards the positive side. Like today, I came to art galleries, I think, although not expected, like me, but overall is very good, as the exhibition came to Shanghai, I want people to visit the works, one can feel fun.

NetEase Woman: For us, the pleasure to communicate with you is one. Let us talk you live in the city. Like you are now living in the city?

DENISE: My home in Melbourne. Melbourne is a city of diverse cultures, people from around the world. When you walk in the street, you will find a different face from the States, you will proud. I like to diverse cultural city. Melbourne also had a very strong artistic atmosphere, many cities in Australia, Melbourne is the most typical cultural city. While many people know of Sydney, would think that Sydney is more culturally unique city, but Sydney is a very modern city, Melbourne, Sydney, at a deeper level than the culture. When my husband and lived in Melbourne the countryside, the living environment particularly well, especially the United States.

NetEase Woman: Melbourne, where what is bad?

DENISE: Melbourne, very far away from other cities, although there are television, newspapers, but news and information lags behind, and this is one of the reasons I came to China. In particular, Beijing, modern art in Beijing witnessed great changes, good works have emerged. In Melbourne we have a very high quality although the exhibition, but not particularly large, because there were fewer people, a total of only 2 more than 1000 people in Australia only for the rest of the world events that may be too slow. I think this is more bad thing in Melbourne.

NetEase woman: I would like to ask a hypothetical question, if only one month of your life, you will choose to spend the remainder of which city?

DENISE: wow, I can only select a city What?

NetEase women: You can select multiple cities.

DENISE: very interesting. I hope that this depends on a number of interesting places to spend as much as possible, or choose one of the most favorite place to spend. I read an article on Tunisia's article, written by special rods, I thought, I want to go there one day. So if I am only one month of life, perhaps half the time I spent in Tunisia. Perhaps the remaining half of the time and my family spent at home with their children.

NetEase Woman: You've been to Tunisia it?

DENISE: No, not yet. There may be a new place.

NetEase women: If you have a good job, but only if you have to leave the city and his family live, would accept?

DENISE: If it is now, I will. Because I came to China. In some ways I have already done so. I often have to work to stay in China for two months, then went to Australia and stay with his family for two months. Because the inspiration came to China, create new works, as an artist, this is my job. But the work does not always pay to me, I am working in China are not always to make money, but because here I had more opportunity to create, so in some ways, half the time I left the family . But I can not leave his family. No matter how good opportunity knocks, I will not give up because of work my family, not some time with them.

NetEase woman: but you can live as good jobs leave the city?

DENISE: Yes. If I do not have family care, I may choose to live in China, if really so. Because in this stage of my life, China is undergoing many changes. But we are always hindered by his family, his family is very important. So like I said earlier, I really can not leave the family.

NetEase Woman: Let's talk of marriage. You think it is necessary for a woman What?

DENISE: It is a personal choice. When I was young, parents want me to get married, so they introduced my husband to me, finally, we got married. After the marriage is not well, and we divorced. If my family if there is no pressure to get married, no matter whom I choose to get married, I probably would not be married or get married. But I do not regret this marriage, because they have three beautiful children, I am glad of this experience of marriage.

I once again end up with marriage. This is my personal choice. For their children, I will not pressure them to marry. One of my daughters married, but my son and another daughter, not married, no partner, are single family. Married the daughter of her own choice, and I am happy for her blessings. Western cultures have a very good thing that can have their own choice. Some of my Chinese friends to their parents will put pressure on marriage. Because we all cultures are different, I can not comment too much.

NetEase Woman: On the other hand, in the Chinese view, the house is very important, do you think women need to own their own homes Why?

DENISE: It still is a personal choice. I recently read an interview with 30-year-old Chinese woman's article, it said that we are professional women, we do not want to get married, to own their own business and houses, make their own choice, I think this is good, but if you want to choose has a partner and get married buy a house together, this is understandable.

NetEase Woman: In Melbourne, house to people who matter?

DENISE: Australians always want to own their own homes, it is very important. As time went on, Australians see Europe and elsewhere people do not own a house, they may have cars, but renters. This Australian is also a certain extent. Now, people may not previously done, that must have its own house.

I have a young Chinese friend, she got married last September, for her, she did not care if the house, the most important is the relationship between her and her husband. Another reason is that she was very fond of traveling, so the question for the house, she was not particularly concerned.

NetEase woman: perhaps this is a trend. That family and work for a young man, you have to give up one of them face the problem?

DENISE: very difficult, my first husband and I co-venture, business is very successful, but I found it hard to reconcile their work and family. Then I was sick, in poor health. So I finally choose to give up their jobs. Health is more important to me, in fact, that is, choose the family. But now is not the same, and my children grow up, work has changed, so now for me, work is more important.

NetEase woman: Depending on your age.

DENISE: Yes. When I was a young mother, I chose to give up work to take care of the family.

NetEase Woman: Do you think the most beautiful woman in any age?

DENISE: women have always been beautiful, with nothing to do with. If you look at appearance, smooth and delicate skin, leaving no trace of years, perhaps they can say the most beautiful. However, his face full of wrinkles, 80-year-old woman, and I think they beautiful.

NetEase Woman: Why?

DENISE: They have gone through life. You can see from their faces they have experienced life, which is a kind of beautiful. 18-20 year old girls, they do not know who he is, do not know what they want, not what life experience, it is immature, for me, they are not beautiful, they are still searching for his own way. The 30-year-old woman, they begin to discover who he is, the development of personality, aware of the world around, and have their own opinion, it is a mature U.S.. 40-60 year-old woman, they could easily have been from the Department, on who he is, where life, have become tolerant, so it is relaxing, so beautiful. 60 years old woman, with rich life experiences, this is what I have just mentioned, although the 80-year-old woman in full face wrinkles, silver-haired, but her body because of the rich life experiences and emit light.

NetEase women: In addition to Beijing and Shanghai, which city you want to travel in China?

DENISE: I want to go to Suzhou, Taishan. I've been to Xi'an Hua Mountain. I would also like to see a different mountain. Also want to go to Harbin. I want to go to many cities in China. Last year I went to Qingdao, for the first time to see China Sea.

NetEase women: how do you feel like Shanghai 2010 World Expo?

DENISE: I fought back last night from the airport, it is excited, we compare the Beijing and Shanghai, I asked the driver about the Expo, the driver said, you can go tomorrow, Huangpu River Edge, take a look around the Expo. But last night we drove through the bridge, can already see the scene near the Expo. The rise of many buildings, especially the United States. I think Shanghai, it certainly is a very exciting thing. I know the Australian Government to participate in the Expo, they are very excited. This is the same with the Olympics held in Beijing. Now turn to Shanghai, so I feel very sure of Shanghai.

Photographer: Bert Danckaert.

'Poetic Language' 2007

‘Exceed-the-bounds’ Aberrance of Chinese Character – Chinese Character Base – Beijing

Curator: Pan Xing Lei

‘Cun zai ju feng – living cyclone’- 2007 Guanyintang Meishuguan – Gaobeidian Beijing

an exhibition with Korean artists Jin Nam Wo and Chinese artist Zheng Xue Wu

'Revolt' at:

‘Cun zai ju feng – living cyclone’- Guanyintang Meishuguan – Gaobeidian. Beijing

Myths of the Moon are tantilising and have given me the opportunity to indulge in several of the most famous 'gushi' stories.

'Revolt' - Grey is the colour for common people, red the colour of fire. Common people are a strong force when they have the energy of fire. I honour the common people by placing their common goods and labor upon an altar table.

'Poetic Language' 2006

2nd Annual Song Zhuang Art and Culture Festival – Song Zhuang Artists Village China

Materials: Ink wash paper, Chinese Ink, Rice

'Forest Forms' 2006

‘Bamboo Gallery Exhibition 2006’ - Western Academy of Beijing - China

Curator: Laetitia Gauden

Photographer: Walk Hall

'Character Field' 2006

‘New Chinese Occidentalism – China Contemporary Art in Beijing’- HongXuan Base of Art, Hai Dian district, Beijing

Curator: Pan Xing Lei

'Character Field' 2006

‘New Chinese Occidentalism – China Contemporary Art in Beijing’- HongXuan Base of Art, Hai Dian district, Beijing

Catalogue extract:

Denise Keele-bedford - She comes from far-away Australia. Her love and understanding of Chinese culture is unreservedly revealed in her environmental work. In one of her works, the 'Character Field', we see Australian local produce held in a sea of bowls made from Chinese calligraphy paper (the Xuan paper). a metaphor for the Australian and the Pacific Ocean.