Kelly Manning Post-apocalyptic Optimism

Since she started making art, Manning’s subjects have included colonisation, sexual abuse, the intergenerational impact of the Vietnam War around the world, feminism and personal security. They are expressed via the mediums of drawing, printmaking, painting, installation, sculpture, and soon will be explored with animation.

The Melbourne-based Manning is also a tattooist, app developer and ‘accidental farmer.’ While the artist had a prolific period of printmaking, and still considers it to be in her blood, she has now found the stability, confidence and drive to turn her hand to three-dimensional work. As she has become more at ease with herself, and more of herself over time, what emerges is an art practice that shifts its focus from the past to future.

Manning is resourceful worker who is cognisant of access to materials