The Post caught up with contemporary artist Susanne Kerr, whose creative journey recently took her from Wellington’s vibrant streets to the picturesque locales of Christchurch and Nelson. Known for her evocative exhibitions, including Remnants (2023) at Pātaka Art + Museum, and a showcase at the Aotearoa Art Fair with Gallerysmith in 2024, Kerr’s work continues to captivate audiences. With her new studio spaces offering fresh inspiration, we were eager to hear about the impact of this transition ahead of an upcoming exhibit in Melbourne...
Your art often explores themes of memory, identity and the passage of time. Has living in different locations deepened these themes?
These themes have been constants in my work for 20 years. Their significance deepened five years ago when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and lost his sense of identity and personal history. Living in different locations has reminded me that we wear our identity like a cloak, and we are often different people in different spaces and times. As I find a rhythm in the studio, I am exploring ideas related to roadside debris, resilience of weeds, biodiversity, and the loss of remnant habitats. At the forefront of my mind is finding freedom through acceptance. Last year was busy and stressful and all the changes reminded me to remain open, curious and agile, and take more time to rest.
Read the full interview on on The Posts website