Chelsea Hopkins-Allan is a multidisciplinary artist, painter and environmental scientist, living and working on Kinjarling land in Albany, Western Australia.
With a practice grounded in the techniques of environmental science, Chelsea employs methods of observation and ecological research to inform a rigorous practice of species studies, namely of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). Foregrounded by her deep engagement with biodiversity and conservation, Chelsea’s practice extends environmentalism into the realm of art to engage communities in ecological stewardship, propelled by themes of wonder, flux and inter-connectedness.
With a central focus on painting, Chelsea’s works span drawing, installation, collection, public art and archival studies. Depicting found species at microscopic scales, re-interpreting moths as ‘charismatic mega-fauna’ and drawing perspectives into abstraction, the practice makes visible the intrinsic, elemental and aesthetic qualities of nature’s patterns, colours and textures. Also considering these tangible elements in terms of personal mythology, intuition and symbol-making.
With a central focus on painting, Chelsea’s works span drawing, installation, collection, public art and archival studies. Depicting found species at microscopic scales, re-interpreting moths as ‘charismatic mega-fauna’ and drawing perspectives into abstraction, the practice makes visible the intrinsic, elemental and aesthetic qualities of nature’s patterns, colours and textures. Also considering these tangible elements in terms of personal mythology, intuition and symbol-making.
Informed by her experience navigating a rare, and for many years un-diagnosed, physical health condition, her location in the remote southernmost tip of Western Australia and combined with the environmental science background, her practice reveals lived insights into ideas of visibility and its operation in nature and culture.
Photography by Luke Griffith Writing by Hunter Smith