current artists
We work with extraordinary artists to question cultural narratives and raise environmental awareness. We develop our work with artists over time, responding to their practice and areas of interest. This can include international and local collaborations with partners, residencies based in our studios in Newcastle, and commissions. Our work with artists goes back over 30 years and you can see our artists archive here. Here are the artists currently working with us:
Elisabeth efua sutherlandDrawing on local archives, architecture, walking tours and sites of remembrance, Contested Desires artist Elisabeth explored the possibilities of creating an embodied map of black experiences located in Newcastle.
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PARIA GOODARZI Paria is artist in residence this spring. She explores the formation and representation of identity, often integrating collaborative, participatory and socially engaged artworks.
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Rafael Guendelman HalesRafael is a visual artist and documentary filmmaker, exploring the dynamic relationship between human beings and their environment. During his Contested Desires residency, he spent time at the archives and collections of the Museo della Civiltà in Rome. He will also journey to UK and Cyprus for residencies.
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Maria Luigia GioffreMaria Luigia Gioffre’s live art, performance and text works draw on anthropologies, mythologies and uncertain futures to expand and erode historical references. Her art encompasses visual art, theatre, performance, writing and curatorship. Maria is taking part in Contested Desires, with residencies in the Netherlands, UK and Cyprus.
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AMAK MAHMOODIAN, PHDAmak Mahmoodian is one of the artists selected for Belonging - a virtual exhibition featuring 11 artists from an open call and being showcased in Cyprus as part the ASSEMBLE programme with D6:EU. She is a D6 Associate Artist.
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Andreas mallourisContested Desires artist Andreas explored ideas of vulnerability and care in the context of the impact of British imperialism on the lives of queer people around the world, asking: ‘How possible is it to decolonise each molecule of institutional perception around our individuality?’
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THAÍS MUNIZThaís Muniz is a visual artist interested in exploring the connections between inherited and acquired identities, memory and inward love. She is developing a body of work for a solo exhibition using different mediums and techniques across textiles, sculptures, installations, performance, photography, film and group workshops.
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Paul NatarajPaul Nataraj works with sound, text and recorded archive materials to explore the relationships between memory and sound, with a focus on stories of migration, diaspora and postcolonial identity. He is one of the artists from the North East of England taking part in Contested Desires: Constructive Dialogues.
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isaac nana opokuInfluenced by weaving and indigenously produced fabrics, Isaac Nana Opoku is exploring the impact of colonial heritage on contemporary artisanal culture and textile production. They are taking part in Contested Desires, with residencies in Rome, Newcastle and Cyprus.
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Lucy NychaiLucy Nychai is a Ukrainian artist and curator. In 2019 she undertook a research residency at D6 and is currently our curator in residence for (Re)Grounding, our partnership with IZOLYATSIA. She is a D6 Associate Artist.
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Shirin zeraatyShirin Zeraaty is a contemporary artist and curator originating from Zahedan in Iran. Currently based in Istanbul, her work explores themes such as language, biography and the interpretation of works within the contexts of nationality, gender and institutional structures. She joined us a curator in residence in August and September 2024.
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Patrick zizaPatrick Ziza explores themes of African traditions and cultural norms, examining their effect on people from the global south who were born or have lived in western communities. He is one of the artists from the North East of England taking part in Contested Desires: Constructive Dialogues.
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