Last Word: Emily Rolfe

Chloe Borich (CB) / Emily, you have been a part of the team at Campbelltown Arts Centre (C-A-C) for nearly six years now, I imagine you have seen the space grow and evolve a lot in that time. What distinguishes C-A-C from other art spaces in Sydney?

Emily Rolfe (ER) / C-A-C has certainly evolved a lot in that time, especially as Campbelltown city expands and the Centre’s role in the region grows beyond just what goes on inside the building. For example, in 2022 we’ve worked on urban renewal projects by commissioning large scale public art commissions in the Campbelltown CBD, and have pushed for artist involvement in major new public developments. This kind of community engagement will continue throughout The National, with many artists opting for collaborative methods. C-A-C has always been keenly aware of the relationship between the wellbeing of our city and the health of its creative communities.

CB / How does it feel to be a part of curating the next frontier of ideas in contemporary art for The National 4: Australian Art Now at C-A-C?

ER / I am excited to be curating The National in Campbelltown as I think it will welcome greater and more diverse audiences across all exhibition partners. Developing relationships with artists and commissioning new work has been a highlight in this project. However, to have audiences engage with and respond to the artists and the works will be incredibly rewarding, and we are collectively working on a series of public programs across The National partner venues to welcome as many voices, thoughts and ideas as we can.

CB / You have invited eleven artists from across Australia to create new works for the exhibition, with a focus on large scale installation. What was the catalyst for bringing these specific artists together in dialogue?

ER / Yes, eleven artists plus many more collaborators. I didn’t approach the exhibition with an agenda or thematic in mind, but rather let a number of conversations with artists, curators and colleagues guide the development of the project. Many of those conversations revolved around connection with family, community and culture, especially following the disruption and devastation of recent years. The projects at C-A-C are personal journeys about connection or moments of ‘coming together’, and the dialogue between projects and across venues has appeared organically.

CB / Otherworldly ceramic works by Lynda Draper will feature prominently in the space. How and when did you first encounter her practice?

ER / I became aware of Lynda’s practice over a decade ago when she was working in the Ceramic Design Studio at Gymea TAFE and involved at Hazelhurst Arts Centre. In 2014/15 Lynda curated Glazed and Confused: Ceramics in Contemporary Art Practice at Hazelhurst, and this exhibition still sticks in my mind. I was always very taken with her work, but it was her reputation as a teacher and a mentor that I really remember from this time. Of course, I have followed her practice from then!

CB / This edition of The National collectively explores ideas of interconnectedness and the role of the artist in the 21st century, how does Draper’s practice engage with this narrative in the context of C-A-C? What do you hope visitors will take away from viewing them in this show?

ER / Within the projects at C-A-C there is a number of collaborative projects as well as those that are more solitary. Lynda’s project falls into the latter, as her practice is a way for her to process change and personal experiences. However, she created Talismans for Unsettled Times with the audience in mind. The project is a sea of her ceramic sculptures in an intimate space – a space which she hopes will invite connection, contemplation and imagination from viewers. Artists have always created avenues for connection through their work and it is therefore incredibly important that we continue to support this.

CB / Lastly, some important information for visitors over the duration of the exhibition: where are your favourite places to 1. Eat, 2. Drink, and 3. Explore around Campbelltown?

ER / Some favourites from the C-A-C team:

To Eat and Drink: Afghan Royal is always an overwhelming favourite; Yasmin Bakery and Oregano Leaf Bakery for manoush; Anna’s Eatery for Vietnamese; and the Arts Centre Café at C-A-C for great food, the best coffee in Campbelltown, and a beautiful setting in the Japanese Garden.

To Explore: The Dharawal National Park, a really important site for Dharawal people, is full of walking tracks, waterfalls and rock pools; The Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan, over 400 hectares in size and focussed on native Australian plants; the public art across Campbelltown, including major new works by Savanhdary Vongpoothorn and Jason Wing; and the Artist Exchange shop at C-A-C which highlights creations by local artists and makers.