China Heights x Beau Artist Series

In Conversation with Ellen Virgona

 

What elements of the space have inspired you to get involved in the artist series?

Ellen: “Both my practice and China Heights as a gallery have been centred around Sydney communities and the artists who make them what they are. It felt natural to want to collaborate with Beau on this as the first artist in the series.”

 

What is your latest show about and where did you gain inspiration from it?

Ellen: “The slides projected onto the brick wall are images from Greece that didn’t make it to my show but deserve to be seen and the motion is personal snippets from that time. In the private dining, we have works of mine from China Heights stock”

 

You worked with Troy Spencer, our Head Chef, on creating a special dish for this takeover. What is your inspiration behind it?

Ellen: “For my upcoming show ‘I’m not changing, I’m not afraid of anything, I am free’ at China Heights, all images were taken in Greece during 2022. I wanted to take inspiration from traditional Greek desserts – Rice Pudding with a twist of Honey and Fig. Flavours and textures to go with my imagery.”

 

We’re all about entertaining and having fun with guests. What is your most memorable dining experience with someone you love?

Ellen: ” I love Gerberas – I feel they are one of the most photogenic flowers. They also remind me of my Mother.”

 

If you could have dinner with only one person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Ellen: “John Waters”

 

You say in a past life you were a DJ. We see you’ve curated a special playlist for this takeover, what was your inspo behind the music you chose?

Ellen: “I would DJ very loosely – The playlist is music I was listening to during the time I made the photos in my upcoming exhibition. Whimsical, inspirational and punchy (much like Greece itself).”

 

Join us at BEAU to discover Ellen Virgona’s takeover from April 12th until May 10th.