Dr Clare Milledge: Bridging Ritual and Reflection Through Contemporary Art
Dr Clare Milledge is an Australian artist whose work delves into the intersection of shamanic archetypes, historical enigmas, and the urgent concerns of our time—specifically, how we can reconnect with ecological consciousness. Born in Sydney in 1977, Milledge’s artistic journey began with a rigorous academic foundation at Sydney College of the Arts, culminating in a doctorate from the University of Sydney in 2012. Currently serving as Professor Principal at UNSW Sydney, she continues to champion the transformative potential of art within scholarly discourse.
Milledge's artistic practice isn’t merely about visual representation; it’s an exploration of profound symbolic language rooted in ancient traditions. Influenced by anthropological studies and folklore—particularly those examining shamanic rituals—she seeks to articulate experiences beyond rational comprehension, channeling energies and narratives from cultures deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature. This fascination with shamanism informs her approach to creating art that operates on multiple levels: aesthetically striking while simultaneously prompting contemplation about our relationship with the environment and the subconscious mind.
Her artistic style is characterized by meticulous detail combined with a deliberate use of color palettes that evoke moods of mystery and introspection. Milledge frequently employs techniques reminiscent of historical painting, layering textures and incorporating symbolic imagery—often drawn from mythology and folklore—to construct narratives that resonate across time periods. These artworks aren’t simply decorative; they are conduits for conveying complex ideas about transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of mythic storytelling.
A notable achievement in Milledge's career is her exploration of “Imbás,” a well at the bottom of the sea—a piece that exemplifies her artistic vision. This artwork utilizes rich pigments and intricate layering to depict an ethereal landscape imbued with symbolic references to ancient Celtic beliefs about sacred wells and subterranean realms. It’s considered one of Milledge's most significant contributions to contemporary art, demonstrating her ability to synthesize historical research with imaginative visual expression. The technique of Hinterglasmalerei—painting backwards on glass—a practice originating in Byzantine iconography—further underscores Milledge’s commitment to honoring tradition while confronting modern anxieties about environmental degradation and societal fragmentation.
Milledge's artistic development has been shaped by extensive fieldwork experiences, particularly her engagement with Norwegian contemporary art during residencies at Oslo and Berlin. Her doctoral research focused on the intersection of shamanic archetypes and historical enigmas, highlighting her intellectual curiosity and dedication to interdisciplinary scholarship. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Painting) Honours from Sydney College of the Arts alongside Statens Kunst Akademi in Oslo, demonstrating a commitment to mastering diverse artistic methodologies.
Her work has garnered recognition through numerous exhibitions across Australia and internationally, including solo shows at Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne; The Commercial Gallery, Sydney; and K2 Residency, Karosta, Liepaja. Furthermore, Milledge’s contributions to the art world extend beyond her creative output, encompassing roles as curator and educator—a testament to her belief in fostering dialogue between artistic practice and scholarly inquiry. Her ongoing research at UNSW Sydney continues to solidify her position as a leading voice in bridging the gap between art scholarship and ecological responsibility.
Education
* Doctor of Philosophy, The Artist Shaman and “the Gift-of-Sight”, Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney (2013)
Supervisors: Associate Professor Ann Elias and Matthys Gerber
* PhD candidate, Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney/ Universität der Künste, Berlin Supervisors:
Associate Professor Ann Elias and Matthys Gerber/Lothar Baumgarten
* Bachelor of Visual Arts (Painting), Honours 1, Sydney College of the Arts, The University of Sydney (2006)
Supervisors: Matthys Gerber and Gunter Reski
* Bachelor of Visual Arts (Foundation), The College of Fine Arts, The University of New South Wales (2004-2005)
Exhibitions
* Theoretical Regression: A Warm Sheen Against Received Ideas, The Commercial Gallery, Sydney (2014)
* Altus Duel: Total Environment, Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne (2014)
* Anthropocene Circle: Theory Theory,*Kalimanrawlins, Melbourne (2013)
* Motivated Reasoning: Strategic, Tactical, Operational,*The Commercial Gallery, Sydney (2013)
* Maximalist Ritualist*(with Carla Cescon) at the Australian Experimental Art Foundation, Adelaide (2012)
* Cave Art: Retarded Transcendence*at Peloton, Sydney (2011)
* Lord Owl at the Institute*of Contemporary Art Newtown, Sydney (2010)
* The Last Visible Dog*at Grantpirrie, Sydney (2009)
Group Exhibitions
* Unstable Parts in a Unfriendly Place,*Institute of Contemporary Art Newtown (ICAN), Sydney (2014)
* The Sleeping and the Dead,*Sarah Scout, Melbourne (2013)
* Un-Acclimatised*, curated by Catherine Bennetts-Cash at Monash University Art Museum, Melbourne
* Ladies and Gentlemen*curated by Matthys Gerber at Yuill Crowley, Sydney (both 2012)
* Bad Angle*curated by Clare Lewis, Stills Gallery, Sydney (2011)
* Neo Goth: Back in Black*, curated by Alison Kubler at The University of Queensland Art Museum, Brisbane (2008)
* Verk/Work*, with D.O.R. group (NO), curated by Kristin Vestrin at Forsbacka Bruk Art Project, Forsbacka Steelworks, Dalarnas Län, Sweden (2006).
Awards & Scholarships
* Helen Lempriere Travelling Art Scholarship (2007, 2008, 2010)
* Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Artists Exchange Scholarship (2006, 2008)
Residencies
* Artspace, Sydney (2015–2016)
* Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne (2014)
* K2 Residency, Karosta, Liepaja (2008)
