Chinese artist Ding Jie is the second Asian artist in residence to spend time in Wellington’s Bolton Street Cottage under the Wellington Asia Residency Exchange (WARE) programme. Ding Jie has been working at a studio at Massey University’s School of Fine Arts. From 22 August to 22 September, she will exhibit the result of her residence, entitled Kiwi Garden, at Massey University’s Engine Room Gallery.

 

Born in 1978, Ding Jie completed a Masters in Fine Arts in 2004 and has been continuously working in the field of contemporary art. She won a UNESCO Digital Art Award prize in 2005. Ding Jie’s impressively varied portfolio includes sculpture, painting, print and a number of audience participation projects. Her work is influenced by both contemporary and traditional Chinese methods and subjects.

In 2007, the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s cultural programme joined by Wellington City Council developed the WARE programme – a three-year initiative giving up to four professional contemporary Asian artists per year a chance to be introduced to Wellington’s arts sector. The 2007 inaugural artist in residence was Lee Kit from Hong Kong. Wellington artists will soon be able to apply for similar opportunities to work in Asia.

Ding Jie says the multi-media installation Kiwi Garden is an evocative meditation on her take of the New Zealand identity.

Kiwi Garden by Ding Jie
22 August - 22 September 2008
Engine Room Gallery, Massey University Wellington campus, 2 pm - 4pm