In everything Beulah undertakes, we are defined by civic-minded responsibility, rigorous research, global vision, innovative thinking and a passion for design and culture. We frequently look to a range of industry and thought leaders to share their thinking, insights and perspectives, often drawn from lived experiences.
With a wealth of inspiration and rich storytelling at our fingertips, we share this with you by way of our Beulah City Guides Series, an exploration of cities around the world, through the eyes of compelling industry and thought leaders.
Atong Atem is an Ethiopian-born, South Sudanese artist and writer from Bor, living in Narrm/Melbourne. Her work explores postcolonial practices in the diaspora, the relationship between public and private spaces and the politics of looking and being looked at. Atong works primarily with photography and video to also explore migrant narratives, along with the exploration of identity through portraiture.
A multi-award-winning artist, Atong’s work has been featured in a wide selection of solo exhibitions nationally and internationally, from the Messums Gallery in London, to Customs House in Sydney, and most recently, at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne.
Beulah is thrilled to share that Atong will bring to life Southbank’s iconic Hanover House and future site for Australia’s tallest building STH BNK By Beulah with her commissioned work, which will animate two facades of the building. Atong’s work often explores her relationship to Melbourne, Australia and beyond when forming the sense of belonging to place, and we look forward to celebrating the completion of Hanover House’s remarkable facades.
In the meantime, we are excited to share with you the following City Guide, by none other than Atong herself, exploring her experiences within, and perspectives of Melbourne; the place Atong has called home since 2014.
Atong’s work often explores her relationship to Melbourne, Australia and beyond when forming the sense of belonging to place
I’ve been living in Melbourne since 2014 and have really fallen in love with so many of the things this city has to offer.
I spend most of my time in the Fitzroy/Collingwood/Carlton area. Since moving here, it’s where I continually gravitate to.
Melbourne is incredibly diverse, each suburb has its own unique flavour and is absolutely worth visiting. There’s a lot of art and music happening most days of the week. I recommend exploring, asking bartenders for recommendations and taking advantage of the trams, as most great places are within walking distance of a tram stop.
Melbourne is incredibly diverse, each suburb has its own unique flavour and is absolutely worth visiting.
Self Portrait With Gingham, 2019, digital image, Courtesy the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne
Atong Atem is an Ethiopian born, South Sudanese artist and writer living in Narrm/
Melbourne. She works primarily with photography and video to explore migrant narratives and postcolonial practices in the African diaspora, the relationship between public and private spaces and the exploration of home and identity through portraiture. Atong Atem has exhibited her work across Australia, including MUMA Monash, Gertrude Contemporary, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and Internationally at Messums in London, Red Hook Labs in New York, Vogue Fashion Fair in Milan and Unseen Amsterdam art fair.
