About
Mary-Jane Walker is both an artist and a scientist. The intersection of these two spheres is the space in which she works through her arts practice, writing and facilitation. She has a doctorate in Molecular Genetics from the University of Edinburgh and graduated in art from RMIT University. Her interests are in using the creative arts to communicate about complex ideas including creative thinking, action on climate change, biophilia and connecting science and the arts.
She worked at the Innovation Centre which was part of the London Design Centre. She is currently a member of the Curatorial Working group for Geelong Design Week, as part of Geelong as a UNESCO City of Design
Mary-Jane has exhibited extensively in Melbourne and Victoria and has three times been a finalist in the Australian Contemporary Textile Award as well as the Art for the Environment exhibition. Her work has also toured Europe as part of an International Climate Change Exhibition and is held by private collectors in England, Canada and Australia.
Mary-Jane at work in her studio
Artist’s Vision
Mary-Jane Walker’s work focuses on our relationship with the environment and is inspired by the interconnectedness of all life. Her background not only as an artist but also a scientist allows an interrogation of the way we think about that relationship from both perspectives. Using a wide variety of media her work examines the fragile and complex ties that bind us to the living planet and seeks to highlight the way we think about nature in the 21st century.
Artist’s CV
EXHIBITIONS
2023
Geelong Nature Festival, Commissioned artist, Major Installation
2022
Barwon Park Reimagined Exhibition, Barwon Park Winchelsea
2021
Nature of Us Exhibition, Creator and curator for Geelong Design Week
2020
Now You See Us Solo Exhibition, National Wool Museum
Artist in Residence, National Wool Museum
2019
Banyule Award for Works on Paper, Finalist
2018
International Craft Biennale, Edinburgh Scotland (exhibition now 2020)
2017
Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award
2016
Murmuration Installation, The Geelong College
Artist in Residence, Arts Week, The Geelong College
2015
Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award
2013
Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award
Swarm - Public Art project for Geelong City Council
2012
Suspension Exhibition, Tinning Street Gallery, 6-16 December
Corangamarah Art Prize finalist, Otway Estate Gallery, 8-21 July
Analogue Digital Exhibition, First Site Gallery, 14-24 March
2011
Gathering Exhibition, Tinning Street Gallery, December
Peel Your Eyes Exhibition, Pop up Gallery – Old Dimmey’s Building, Geelong
Coburg Festival Public Art Installation
RMIT Union Arts Exhibition, Graphica, L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program
2010
Climate Is Changing Exhibition. International juried exhibition touring Europe
until 2012 opened Museo Del Tessuto, Prato, Italy May 2010.
International Juried Exhibition, International Feltmakers Association/ Coordinamento Tessitori/ Filz-NetzWerk
RMIT Union Arts Exhibition, Flock Exhibition, L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program
2009
Robe Southern Ocean Art Prize, 30 October-3 November
Contemporary Art Society of Victoria, Brooch the Subject Exhibition, 1 August-6 October
Caithness Horizons, Scotland, International Paper Boat Exhibition, 5-24 September
RMIT Union Arts Exhibition, In Bloom. L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program
2008
RMIT Union Arts Exhibition, 37th Parallel Exhibition
EDUCATION
2011
Diploma of Arts (Studio Textiles), RMIT University
1998
Certificate Fabric Printing and design, Riverina College of TAFE
1985
Doctor of Philosophy, Genetics, University of Edinburgh
1979
Bachelor of Agricultural Science, University of Adelaide
OTHER
2019
Appointed member of Curatorial Team, Geelong Design Week, City of Greater Geelong
Speaker, Interpretation Australia National Conference, 16-18 October
2017
Appointed STEAM advisor, The Geelong Gallery
2016
Appointed The Geelong Gallery, Audience and Engagement committee
2016
Appointed Research Assistant, Deakin University, Dept of Arts Education
2011
RMIT Creative Arts Award
2008
Assisted Lee Darroch in the construction of a possum skin cloak for permanent acquisition by Melbourne Grammar School for their Sesquicentenary Year 2008
2004
Reconciliation Arts Project with children at Lauriston Kindergarten