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Artist & Curator
Talia Smith
What holds particular significance for you in/about Neilsen Park country and Bottle and Glass Point?
Seymour is particularly drawn to seaweed, a vital component in marine systems that provides food and habitat for diverse aquatic life. Seaweed aquaculture further positions itself as a potential aid in the climate crisis, holding uses as food, biofuels and fertilisers. It is important to recognise that First Nations have a deep and diverse traditional knowledge of Australian natural resources, including seaweed. Through Seymour’s research for the Rockpools project, she considers sustainable and ethical methods of ‘extracting’ seaweed as a material for artistic purposes.
Background
Talia Smith is an artist and curator originally from Aotearoa New Zealand but now based in Sydney, Australia. She is of Cook Island, Samoan and Pakeha heritage. She has curated major exhibitions for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Singapore Photography festival, MAMA Albury and IMA Brisbane among others. Her writing has been published for various journals and artist essays such as Memo review, Art New Zealand and the World Weather Network program and in 2026 will be published in the new anthology of Pacific writing titled Fresh off the Boat. Talia has completed curatorial residencies in Singapore, Germany and the Nordics. She currently works as the Coordinator Programming at Blacktown Arts and holds an MFA (research) from UNSW.
How do you create spaces for contemporary leadership, learning and collaboration with other people and the environment?
My work and leadership evolves tentatively but with focus. When people come together to discuss and learn, an approach that relies on openness, honesty, respect and dedication is required. I try to uphold this in all my movements as artist, collaborator, student and teacher.
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We live and work on Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal Country. We honour the ongoing cultural and ecological relationships First Nations Australians hold with Country, waters and skies and acknowledge their continued custodianship.
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