Interview with one of Next On Now's leading artists Amy Turton.

Artist: Amy Turton

Photograph: Christine Sayer

Location: Old Fire Station, View Street

Why did you decide to take part in Next On Now?
I didn't. I was applying for a Seedpod sponsorship through Punctum to do some creative research about self-education and sexual health. Artistic Director Jude Anderson asked me who I thought my work was for. I answered that it was for me as a 17 year old living in Bendigo. Jude suggested that I work with some young performers and present the work as part of Next on Now. I said I thought that sounded perfect.


What has it been like working alongside other artists in Bendigo with guidance from a mentor?
I left Bendigo when I was 17 and have been based in Melbourne for the last 10 years so working in Bendigo again has been an interesting challenge. It's stirred up some old ghosts which have become part of my work in a surprising way. The work that began as very impartial and investigative in theory has become much more personal and emotive.

What has been the inspiration behind your work?
Initially it was my experience visiting the Life Education Van in primary school and the immersive multi-media confrontation with the human body that it offered. More recently it's been the discussions about sexuality and health I've been having with young women in Bendigo. They've really impressed me with their knowledge and insight.

Have you been experimenting with new art forms and/or techniques for your work?
Usually I work as a performer, director and dramaturg, helping to realise other people's writing. I'm writing the performance text for this work myself, based on my own experience and reflections and the interviews I've been conducting with young women in Bendigo. It's been an enjoyable challenge.

Describe your work in 5 words.
Intimate, funny, personal, awkward, sexy.
(At least, that's what I'm going for. You'd have to ask someone who's seen it to describe it more accurately.)

Who and/or what inspires you?
Felix Gonzales-Toress' 1991 installation Untitled ("Ross"), named after the artist's partner and created in the year he died of AIDS, and the amazing group and solo exhibitions that were curated in response to this work at the 2011 Istanbul Biennial.

Where do you hope to be in 5-10 years time?
Working here, at Christoph Schlingensief's "OPERA VILLAGE AFRICA"!