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*, or reverse painting on glass—a practice revived from Byzantine traditions—underscores Milledge’s commitment to honoring artistic heritage while confronting the anxieties of our era.
Milledge's work consistently engages with themes of ritual and myth, reflecting her belief that storytelling holds a crucial role in shaping human understanding and fostering connection with the natural world. Her exploration of archetypal figures and narratives serves as a springboard for addressing pressing ecological issues—a perspective increasingly vital as we grapple with the consequences of climate change and societal fragmentation. Through her distinctive artistic style and scholarly rigor, Dr Clare Milledge continues to inspire dialogue about art’s capacity to illuminate both our past and our future.
Life & Education
Milledge (b. 1977, Sydney) completed her Doctor of Philosophy at Sydney College of the Arts, the University of Sydney in 2012. Part of her candidacy (2008) was spent at the Universität der Künste, Berlin. Milledge did her Honours year (also administered by Sydney College of the Arts) at the Statens Kunst Akademi, Oslo and still maintains an active interest in Norwegian contemporary art (recently working with Tori Wrånes on the 19th Biennale of Sydney and at 55 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville - both 2014). Her undergraduate studies were undertaken at The College of Fine Arts, The University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Notable 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) and
*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
Milledge has three times been a finalist in the Helen Lempriere Travelling Art Scholarship (2007, 2008, 2010) and twice was the recipient of the Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Artists Exchange Scholarship (2006, 2008) which enabled her to study in Oslo and Berlin respectively.
Collection
Milledge’s work is held in significant private and institutional collections including National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne; and Artbank, Australia.
