Julia Holderness lives and works in Otautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2022 Holderness completed a Visual Arts PhD in practice-led research at AUT University. Her thesis titled “Ever Present Archiving: methodologies for art histories through invention, fabrication and social practice” explores archives and their construction of art-historical narratives.

In privileging design, decorative and domestic categories, Holderness’ installation practice traces alternative histories of modernism in Aotearoa, in a reflexive and haptic research process that contributes to a feminist rethinking of the art historical archive. Through the use of invented personae, artworks and exhibitions, Holderness explores questions of truth, representation and temporality in historiography whilst also critiquing traditionally held divides between art historical scholarship and artistic fabrication.

Holderness draws inspiration from local and international influential design archives, as sources for contemporary fabrication and re-presentation. The artist’s research focuses on existing and imagined art histories, conducted through her historical figure and collaborator Florence Weir:

"Combining fictional elements with art historical investigation the project oscillates between representation and production of the past." – J.Holderness

Schemes for Vibrant Living consists of posters and sets of objects from artist and textile designer Florence Weir's Mediterranean series and an audio work exploring anecdotal and collective memories.

Email info@sanderson.co.nz to purchase.