Waller Art Prize
2018
Mama Alto Portrait
2nd Prize Recipient
From June- October 2018 Chloe Neath collaborated with the renowned performer and activist Mama Alto to create a portrait and accompanying time-lapse film. This artwork was exhibited in the inaugural Waller Art Prize, Victoria. Chloe received Second Prize for her drawing.
The charcoal and gold leaf portrait was filmed over 70 hours to capture the creative process as each detail in the drawing was meticulously applied. The time-lapse film was displayed alongside the portrait.
"I'm interested in the idea of identity; the role of our genetics, and how our personality and 'true self' develops over a lifetime based on our experiences, emotions and decisions. Mama Alto, displays such a strong identity and sense of self, which is apparent when witnessing her stunningly captivating vocal performances. As a "transcendent...queer person of colour" her strength can also be seen in her community work beyond the arts as a social commentator and spokesperson in the media on issues surrounding gender, race and sexuality.
I wanted to collaborate with Mama to create an artwork that would capture the beauty and inner strength of a community role-model who has developed and thrived as a powerful identity outside of society's conventional ideas of gender." Chloe Neath
