The Alienatic Nation Story

This series is inspired by the artist’s alter-ego alien self, a character used to explore emotion, memory, and personal narrative through playful visual storytelling. The work was first developed during a period of nurturing her inner child, her artist residency with children where she was deeply influenced by time spent drawing with children, and her mentorship with Newcastle Art Space. Before children gain the skills in writing, they use mark making to record thoughts and stories, a form of visual journaling that once was popularized to filled quiet moments before technology. The artist became interested in how this instinctive and unapologetic way of documenting experience fades with time. Through shared drawing sessions and conversation, adult participants are encouraged to slow down, remain reflective, and create without rules or fear. These moments often ground adults while reconnecting them to a time when making felt natural and unapologetic. Children participants are encouraged to continue in their usual practice of documenting about themselves presently. The artist later transforms these sketches and stories into fully developed illustrations, each named after its participant. Together, the works form an imagined alien nation, a world where individuality is celebrated and childlike joy, freedom, and belonging are preserved and honored.

If you would like to participate and contribute to the artist archive and the possibility to be one of the six 2026 ANS works