Shupiwe Chongwe
Linda Iriza
event
offsite
18 Feb 2025
18:00–19:00
Please join us for an informal conversation between exhibiting artist Shupiwe Chongwe and community-aunty-in-training Linda Iriza, in which the two will discuss their artistic practices in relation to their experiences and perspectives as representatives of the African diaspora, from facilitating community to preserving culture and tradition.
I’ve learnt recently that the will to make pottery comes to some people whilst they sleep. The older potters tell us that through their dreams, they were compelled to work with clay. I think of being called through my subconscious in such a way, I can’t imagine many stronger connections to the Earth than that.
—Shupiwe Chongwe (July 2024 • Choma, Zambia)
Bedforms is a solo exhibition by Walyalup/Fremantle-based artist Shupiwe Chongwe, presented by Cool Change in partnership with PS Art Space for Perth Festival 2025. Featuring ceramics alongside more recent forays into photography, video, and installation, Bedforms marks the first major solo presentation of Chongwe’s work, curated by Cool Change co-founder Grace Connors.
Artist talk:
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Free • Registration essential
More info…
Exhibition opening:
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday, 7 February 2025
w/ DJ Makonde
Free • Registration essential
More info…
Panel discussion:
Summit (Session 2):
Repatriation and Rebellious Objects
3:15 – 4:30 PM
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Perth Town Hall (601 Hay Street, Koorari/Perth CBD)
Ticketed • $24 or Pay What You Can
More info…
Exhibition duration:
8 – 21 February 2025
CC × PS:
Ground Level (PS Art Space)
22 Pakenham Street
Fremantle WA 6160
Sunday – Monday • Closed
Tuesday – Friday • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday • 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Unless otherwise specified
Please note:
1️⃣ PS Art Space’s downstairs gallery, where this event will be held, is wheelchair accessible.
2️⃣ This event will take place at a licensed venue where alcohol will be present.
Shupiwe Chongwe began experimenting with ceramics under the direction of her father, ceramicist Njalikwa Chongwe of Zinongo Gallery (Walyalup/Fremantle), later studying at North Metropolitan TAFE (Boorloo/Perth) whilst continuing to practice from her home studio. Within her multidisciplinary practice, Chongwe creates sculptural works from clay that reflect her connection to family, mixed cultural heritage, and the natural environment. Exploring tensions between the longstanding rivalry of art and craft, she teaches ceramics workshops and makes handmade ceramic vessels that can be used in everyday life.
Linda Iriza is a Rwandan people weaver, creative producer, and community-aunty-in-training, currently living on Whadjuk Country and working as a Producer at Perth Festival. Her work navigates African methodologies, ways of being, and frameworks of collectiveness. From producing intimate workshops to large community gatherings, she continues to find ways of honouring traditions of dreaming up expansive worlds. Interested in the art of storytelling, Indigenous approaches to anti-colonial resistance, afropresentism, and intersectional feminist work, Iriza has worked with Fremantle Arts Centre, Arts House, Studio Kiin, Community Arts Network, Creative Australia, and the Ministry of Youth and Culture in Rwanda.
This project is supported by City of Fremantle, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, PS Art Space, Zinongo Gallery, and Joe’s Printing.
Cool Change is supported by the Visual Arts, Craft and Design Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.