Biography

Kellie O’Dempsey

Live performance drawing and installation Artist

“In all forms of life there is a fleeting moment between pure line and blurred continuum. In drawing I pursue this momentum, creating animated movement on a single page.”

Alive hanging, mixed media installation Platform Group Melbourne 2007

Kellie O’Dempsey’s vast scope of work spans international platforms – Berlin, Brisbane, Melbourne, London, Shanghai – and a wide range of locations: She has practiced in situ from rehearsal studios of a ballet company, rock festivals, thespians in The Barbican Theatre, to commuters in a subway at peak hour. Kellie is often invited to document events such as the M on the Bund 10th Anniversary event in Shanghai in 2009 and the University of Queensland Centenary celebrations this year.

Incorporating dynamic gestural line work using traditional drawing materials, paint, collage and the not so traditional, perspex, billboard posters and large scale canvas and paper surfaces. Kellie’s work is a site specific. Her vibrant approach includes interdisciplinary collaboration with other performance artists, musicians and a diverse collection of productions.

Kellie has worked with and in conjunction with the Brisbane Powerhouse working with the Splinter Group’s Lawn and Roadkill and also Ridiculusmus’s Importance of being Earnest in London and Berlin.

She has been Artist in Residence at Soundlabs Festival, Italy (2006/2005), Festival Internationale de Benicassim, Spain (2006/2005)

Currently a recipient of an Australian Post Graduate Award Scholarship Kellie is completing her

Masters in Research focusing on ‘Performance Drawing”.

Exhibitions/events also include-

  • International Conference Arts In Society, Venice, Italy (2009)
  • Tweed River Art Gallery, Murwillumbah (2009)
  • M. on Bund, Shanghai, China (2009)
  • Artisan Gallery, Brisbane (2008)
  • ‘Roadkill’ Brisbane Powerhouse (2007)
  • Platform Group Melbourne (2007)
  • Soundlabs Festival, Italy (2006/2005)
  • Festival Internationale de Benicassim, Spain (2006/2005)
  • Sophiensaele, Berlin, Germany (2005)
  • Tante Emma Laden Gallery, Berlin, Germany (2005)
  • The Barbican, London, UK (2005-6)
  • ‘Lawn’ Brisbane Powerhouse, Australia (2004)
  • Queensland Arts Council Regional Tour (2004)
  • St Kilda Film Festival, St Kilda, Australia (2002)
  • Eat Carpet, SBS, Australia (2000). University.

M on the Bund Anniversary (detail)- paint on canvas, 4500x3000mm,2009