Naomi Oliver

Born 1981, Sydney
Bachelor of Visual Arts
Graduation show: 2002, 2003 (Hons)
Graduation ceremony: 2003, 2004 (Hons)

Artworks in Space YZ

Lovesong, 2003
Single channel VHS video

Dancing the Elements, 2001
Single channel VHS video

Sometimes I make myself sick, 2003
Single channel VHS video

Untitled (Charcot), 2003
Single channel VHS video

During this period I was experimenting with both visual and audio distortion, including creating video and audio cassette feedback loops, filming with toy cameras (such as Tycocam) and deliberately generating or highlighting the flaws of various mediums. I enjoyed working in the VHS editing suites for hours and was always lugging heavy equipment home. Almost exclusively, I ended up working with experimental video and sound - with a performative element coming through in my video pieces.

In Lovesong, 2003, I chose to amplify the VHS colour bleed with an over-saturation that alternates with monochrome, and not only allow the coincidental VHS static to remain but present these flaws as a dominant feature of the work. I utilised visual errors to explore the manner in which strong emotions are expressed and stored by the body, and how they influence physical posture and movement. The song I wrote for the piece includes the lyrics 'I know I'm messy but I think it's worth it'; alluding to emotional chaos and imperfection - figuratively echoed via the purposefully glitched aesthetic.

Visit Naomi Oliver’s Instagram and website.