Roberta Joy Rich is a creative currently based on Wurundjeri and Bunurong lands of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne, south-eastern Australia). Through video, performance, installation and multi-disciplinary projects Roberta’s work explores constructions of ‘race’ and gender identity. “Rich aims to de-construct colonial modalities through arts practice while ascertaining empowering forms of self determination, often referencing her own [diaspora] African identity and experiences.”
In this interview Roberta reflects on finding joy in creativity at an early age, the impact of artist residencies in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and exciting new works in development.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your art practice.
I’m a multi-disciplinary visual artist working across a variety of mediums. My work is almost always rooted in personal stories, history and sustained research. I am a first-generation citizen of southern African parents who migrated at different times during the Apartheid regime both hailing from the Kaap. My practice is informed by my family’s experiences, southern African histories and my own experiences as a first generation citizen navigating settler nation Australia.
How did you start your creative practice and why?
From a young age I always loved drawing and would watch my father’s drafting skills. He was not allowed to study architecture because of the Apartheid regime, but he would draw pictures and images for us with such amazing technical skill. I imagine I inherited some of his talent. I oscillated between “Arts” and “Sports” until my teen angst inner-cynic overtook and I found joy in being creative — a way to escape, navigate and understand my experiences and realities.
Where did you grow up and has it influenced what you create?
I grew up on Wathaurong country, along the peninsula, spending much of my time in Leopold and ‘the City of Greater Geelong’. Growing up in Geelong in the 90s and early 00’s, and being one of a handful of African diaspora families at my school, presented various challenges, but these challenges no doubt have influenced my practice and its trajectory.
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been a career highlight?
My residencies in Johannesburg and Cape Town (2016) and subsequent exhibition at Blak Dot Gallery (2017) was definitely a highlight in terms of growth and self development — personally and within my arts practice. During this time, I was able to reconnect with family, community and traverse the exciting city of Johannesburg; meeting amazing artists, researchers and musicians. The experience broadened my knowledge of my motherland as well as my capacity to produce a series of works I am very fond of. I returned for further research and creative development in Jozi and Cape Town in 2018 (another highlight!) and had the privilege of meeting even more amazing people. I am extremely grateful and honoured to have met, shared conversations, laughs and had poetry read to, by South African poet James David Matthews.
Who or what inspires your art?
I’m really inspired by the practices of Gordon Bennett, proppaNOW collective and Adrian Piper. I often return to particular works by these artists when feeling challenged or a bit lost.
Where do you feel most creative?
In place and with materials I connect with deeply, sometimes it may be a section of a library, nerding out on some history in a book or just meandering around. I feel like I get good ideas in the shower too!
What gets you through challenging creative/ industry times?
I’m not sure, I think I am still working that out… definitely music, connecting with family and friends, or going back to sources and materials that previously gave me joy. I really appreciate spending time in the studio; I find that also helps ground myself and my thinking during such times.
Whose work are you digging at the moment?
The practice and work of Nontsikelelo Mutiti. Her work with archives and cross-disciplinary collaborative projects that she has been involved with are really inspiring as I learn and witness more of her work.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
Currently I am working on a few exciting projects, and feel thankful for these opportunities during such a tumultuous and difficult time for artists. This year I was awarded a Creative Development and Mentorship opportunity as part of an unanticipated outcome for the ACMI x Ian Potter Moving Image Commission, alongside peer recipients Nicholas Mangan and Pilar Mata Dupont. For this, I am developing my project traced. that explores a history of banished southern African protagonists and reimagines their walking journey that navigates place and meaning of being dis/placed. Lockdown has really affected the project’s progression so I am really looking forward to further developing this when possible, but it has also been nice to spend time researching and allowing the concepts to evolve and brew.
I am also looking forward to (when it is safe to travel) resuming my Debra Porch Award Residency. Just before we clocked that COVID actually is a thing for the whole globe to consider, I was about to fly to Yogyakarta for a 3 month residency at the Cemeti Institute for Art and Society. I’m super excited for when this project can happen, as I’ll be researching and exploring more about the Asian roots of southern Africans in my community.
On the much nearer front, I have a very exciting exhibition happening west-side at Footscray Community Arts Centre that I am currently working on, opening next year.
Where can we find and follow you online?
I have past projects people can view via my website www.robertajoyrich.com, and I try to update current and future projects via the “news” section, but you can also follow me on Instagram @robertajoyrich
All images courtesy of the artist. Featured image: Roberta Joy Rich,M/other Land, 2018. Four channel HD video installation, installed across various locations within the Arts House building. Total duration: 21’24”. Opening night, Installation detail, Arts House, Melbourne, 2018. Photography Credit: Bryony Jackson.