Michelle Gearin: Portrait as Phoenix

“The work Portrait as Phoenix is grounded in my desire to control and alter my own genetics. I have an interest in the research areas of sound frequency and epigenetic manipulation. In the sound installation, I’ve used my voice as an echo of past generations that will resonate into the next.

The video work is a collection of family films. Along with my own recordings are layers of memories that occurred before I was born but have influenced and shaped the expression of my genetic information. With these works I intended to exert dominance on my own genetic make-up.” - Michelle Gearin

Portrait as Phoenix is on view as a video projection in the Node after sunset and as a responsive sound installation on the North Wall.

About the artist

Michelle Gearin is a Newcastle based multidisciplinary artist who uses painting, sound and installation to create immersive works that explore the themes of human connection and perception, sensory overload and stimulatory behaviour, social alienation and longing.

Michelle holds a BFA in painting from the University of Newcastle where she received the vice chancellor award. In 2010 Michelle was awarded the $25,000 Marten Bequest Scholarship for painting. Her work has been exhibited in public and private galleries across Australia and is held in public and private collections internationally. In 2022 Maitland Regional Gallery acquired a major work made up of 49 paintings. Michelle’s recent exhibition was at The Lock-Up Art space with renowned Australian artist Alex Seton. The artist is represented by Micheal Reid Gallery Sydney and Berlin.

Image: Michell Gearin Portrait as Phoenix 2023 (still). Courtesy the artist.