Kate Bohunnis, eges of excess, 2020

Kate Bohunnis’ practice is conceptually rigorous and technically resolved, with an inventive approach to materials and a focus on gender, identity and queer methodologies. In recent projects, Bohunnis has turned their attention to the complexities and trappings of pleasure, from a personal and neuroscientific standpoint. They are also interested in spiritualism as a vehicle for exploring family history and inventive methods of psychological support. In form, Bohunnis’ work often leans toward the abject as a way of negotiating bodily and political identities. They are known for producing pared back, large-scale sculptural installations using metals in contradictory and deliberate dialogue with wax, silicone, latex, leather and textiles. Their works are often highly charged with allusions to power, dominance, subjugation and containment.

Bohunnis has received significant acclaim in their career so far, most notably as the winner of the 2021 Ramsay Art Prize, Australia’s premier prize for emerging artists. Bohunnis was also recipient of an Arts SA 2022 Fellowship, and awarded the Eran Svigos Award for Best Visual Art, Adelaide Fringe (2020); South Australian Graduate Award, Helpmann Academy (2020); David Hayden Professional Development Award (2018); Watson Award (2017); and the Arts Excellence in Printmaking Award, Adelaide College of the Arts (2016).

Hypothalamus

Hypothalamus
screen print and digital collage

A process

A process
screen print and digital collage

B process

B process
screen print and digital collage

Adrenal

Adrenal
screen print and digital collage

Dopamine

Dopamine
screen print and digital collage

Synaptic cleft

Synaptic cleft
screen print and digital collage

Medulla

Medulla
screen print and digital collage