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Bronwyn Bancroft
Bronwyn Bancroft was born in Tenterfield, northern New South Wales, Bronwyn is a descendant of the Djanbun clan of the Bundjalung nation. An artist as well as an academic, Bronwyn's artistic practice extends from public artworks to children's book illustrations. She is represented in many collections both in Australia and overseas. She is currently completing her Doctor of Creative Arts (DCA) at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Education on a topic that she has special insight into, the role of the contemporary female Aboriginal artist.
Grants
The passion, power, and politics of Aboriginal Art: established artists and emerging NSW women artists' perceptions and representational bias in collections - Indigenous Researchers Development Grant
Thesis Title
The Passion, Power, Politics of Aboriginal Art
Supervisors
Professor Rhonda Craven & Professor Michael Atherton
Abstract
Commencing this degree in August 2009 represented a considered decision to write and dedicate time to completing a thesis that was moulded from the social, political, historical, environmental and cultural issues that have affected my whole life.The decision to incorporate academic research to my life as an Aboriginal woman artist is intended to assist in research that will help increase awareness of Aboriginal women artists and their struggle for recognition.The concept for the thesis has been promoted by what is an apparent inadequacy in the representation of Aboriginal women artists with a particular presentation of research on behalf of NSW women.The title Passion, Power, Politics in Aboriginal Art: Does inequality exist for NSW Aboriginal women today? Is an expansive research topic but has been separated into modules that will make up the composition of the degree.
Module One
Creative component.
Module Two
Thesis of 35,000 words to be comprised of intervals. Research as a direct result of the interviews, artist film and DVD production that would be suitable for inclusion in the NSW curriculum.
Module Three
Overview of collection policies of the National Gallery, state galleries and two regional galleries, namely Grafton and Newcastle. This will indicate trends, if any, in relation to the collections of Aboriginal women artists.
Module Four
Development and publication of Aboriginal women’s art book, with artist statements and images. This will add to the promotion of the artists and their works.
Module Five
There are three children books scheduled for the next seven months. One is at the proof stage (written by Sally Morgan and Blaze Kwaymullina) and another title for Little Hare Books and a biographical art book based on my family history and our connection to the country (published by Allen & Unwin).
