Sydney College of the Arts
2023 Graduation Exhibition

This catalogue accompanies a physical exhibition of the same name held across the SCA Gallery and adjoining spaces at the Old Teachers’ College, The University of Sydney from 1–9 December 2023.

New Contemporaries invites you to explore the work of more than 100 students across our 2023 graduating cohort.

Spanning disciplines including Screen Arts, Photography, Painting, Printmedia, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery and Object, the works within both the online and in-person presentations represent the capstone of degrees including the Bachelor of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours), Master of Film and Screen Arts and research Master of Fine Arts and PhD.

Just as our students put a great deal of thought, effort and time into their work, so too does their work deserve an equally thought-provoking online catalogue.

We are proud of each individual student represented here and hope you enjoy exploring their work as much as we enjoyed supporting them through their journey at SCA.

Julie Rrap & Andrew Lavery
Sydney College of the Arts
Co-Directors and Discipline Co-Chairs

Jenny Jia Li van Ratingen

Fruits of your labour, 2023, Acrylic on Jelutong

I imagine/We try, 2023. Carved jelutong.

Familial dynamics are often defined by fleeting actions, carrying unspoken meaning with them. However, words are not forgone for a lack of care, but instead, because these domestic actions and labour have the potential to embody this care. The artist reflects on the invisible labour found within their home; from peeling fruit and washing dishes to bathroom haircuts and quiet apologies. Through layered imagery, carved dialogue, and precarious architectural arrangements, the artist reflects on the complicated forms of intergenerational communication found within their Chinese-Australian family.

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Jenny Jia Li van Ratingen is a Chinese-Australian artist, using painting and sculpture as a means to delve into intergenerational conflicts and family dynamics. Through the laborious act of painting or carving, she invites the viewer into her personal history while also allowing them to find echoes in their own lives. Ultimately, Jenny attempts to find intimacy within our seemingly mundane everyday interactions.

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