Artist Biography
Born in Beaudesert, Queensland, in 1960, Gillies studied visual arts, music and theatre at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education, Queensland, and at Sydney College of the Arts. Encompassing film, sound, installation and video, his work has often evolved from collaborations with performers from a variety of disciplines. His screen work has been shown in festivals such as Videobrasil, Ars Electronica and the London, Sydney and Melbourne film festivals. The exhibition John Gillies: Video Works 1982–2001 was presented at the Performance Space, Sydney, 2004. Gillies lectures in time-based art at the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Works
Divide 2004
Artist Statement
A voice speaking from the Old Testament, of the colonisation of the land of Canaan through the genocidal acts of the Israelites, is juxtaposed over a group of non-indigenous male figures journeying into an Australian landscape. The cultural layering and ambiguity in the work speaks of the foundation of Australia, it's current fears and neuroses and the intruder as both destroyer and powerless witness. Sheep flock together in fear and panic, but are easily led by leaders who wander across the country, unreconciled.
Produced in association with Chili Films, and with the assistance of the Australian Film Commission.
