Photo courtesy of the artist.

Driven by a process of exploration and self-expression through storytelling, Kristen Martin uses art as the medium to explore his experience living with a hidden disability. This residency opportunity aims to enhance Martin’s diverse practice and to reframe the Artist in Residence studio practice as a Professional Development, in which Martin’s creative experience can inform, impact and extend to his role as an arts worker with DADAA clients.

During his residency, Martin will paint his personal stories onto guitar bodies, with each panel featuring the character of a Fox in pivotal roles. The Fox becomes a motif, a representation of Martin, and how he feels society sees him.

“It's my peripheral aim to make connections with people with concerns which may otherwise cause misunderstanding with mere words, some of these concerns come from a place of great spiritual suffering which on a deeper level somebody might recognise or at least empathically connect within my art.” – Kristen Martin

BIO

Krist Martian (Kristen Martin) is an artistically driven and musically minded individual, whose art has strong elements of storytelling and making connections. Martin has studied both art and animation to Advanced Diploma level and has fostered a career as a mentor in the arts and disability sector in Perth WA over the last decade, developing professional outcomes for artists with disabilities, including the exhibition Mummies Agony at ECU in 2024 which won best of show at Fringe Festival.