Interview
Pamela Pirovic
Pamela Pirovic was born in Western Sydney in 1994 and is an emerging Sydney-based artist. Her artist practice examines the role of the body in gender politics often to a humorous effect using photography and video. She uses herself and her family among others to stage scenarios that offer critique on the representation of women, the representation or non- representation of aging and animal-human relations. Pamela completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (First Class Honours) at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney in 2016.
In 2021, Pamela was awarded the Emerging Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship for a series of works that explores her cultural heritage and familial connections. She has exhibited in spaces across Greater Sydney including Darren Knight Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. In 2017 Pamela undertook a month-long residency at Can Serrat in El Bruc, Spain. She was photographer on Cherine Fahd's 'Being Together - Parramatta Yearbook' project, a partnership between the MCA and PAS in 2021-2022 and Greg Semu’s ‘Lifting the Tapu’ partnership between the MCA and Blacktown Arts in 2024, both of which won the Engagement Programs for Large Organisations Category at The IMAGinE Awards in 2023, and 2024 respectively.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My background is in photography. I bought my first camera when in 2005 when I was in year 5 at school. Although, I had no idea what I was doing with it until much later in life - I knew it was something that I wanted to pursue. So, I studied at Sydney College of the Arts and although I didn't think I would have the opportunity or means to be an artist I was happy and grateful to just play. I was taught by the best in the Sydney business - Cherine Fahd and Julie Rrap. They taught me how to think and be outside the product of surroundings that I was. That I had a presence in this world that was somewhat unique and it was okay for me to share it.”
What inspires you?
“Things I wish I had the power to change - from world politics to gender norms to traditional family values embedded in all cultures but I feel passed down to me through my mixed European heritage. The people in my life - their stories, the relationships I have with them and how intimate/different they can be. Portraying/documenting people's portraits and making them feel good about themselves.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My practice examines the role of the body in gender politics often to a humorous effect using photography and video. I use myself and my family among others to stage scenarios that offer critique on the representation of women, the representation or non- representation of aging and animal-human relations. ”
How would you describe your work?
“I think my work is accessible and honest - I believe art should be for all and that anyone can be an artist - just not every has the opportunity too. It's a bit informal but at its core you can see what I am trying to bring to light and that it is intentional and thoughtful whether in a comical or meaningful way. I think I try to make work that visually expresses what I think and what I can't always articulate in words. A means for people to listen to me even if myself as an artist is somewhat an alter ego of my everyday self.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Cherine Fahd, Julie Rrap, William Wegman, Rineke Dijkstra, Nan Goldin, Sarah Lucas - I'm sure there's others but I can't think of them all right now.”
“I think my work is accessible and honest - I believe art should be for all and that anyone can be an artist - just not every has the opportunity too.”
What is your creative process like?
“I think it comes in waves, I think if we were afforded time we could all be artists, but like most people we have to manage our money and what is expected of us in our work, family, friends and just relationships. I think I work best when I have a deadline - although I always panic at the last minute pulling it altogether. I'd like to change that.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think artists should be political and show others what we are afraid to see or confront in our day to day life and in others lives. To think of others and to advocate for others. Do what you can to make a positive impact in other people's lives as not everyone has a voice or means to do so. Make the world a better place to live because being a bystander doesn't serve anyone.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I had my first solo show at AIRSPACE in Marrickville this year. It was called 'For My Baba' and it was an exhibition for my grandmother. In 2021, Pamela was awarded the Emerging Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship for a series of works that explores her cultural heritage and familial connections. She has exhibited in spaces across Greater Sydney including Darren Knight Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. In 2017, Pamela undertook a month-long residency at Can Serrat in El Bruc, Spain. She was photographer on Cherine Fahd's 'Being Together - Parramatta Yearbook' project, a partnership between the MCA and PAS in 2021-2022 and Greg Semu’s ‘Lifting the Tapu’ partnership between the MCA and Blacktown Arts in 2024, both of which won the Engagement Programs for Large Organisations Category at The IMAGinE Awards in 2023, and 2024 respectively.”
Website: www.pamelapirovic.com
Instagram: @pammypirovic
