Curtin University professor and performance artist Stelarc has received the inaugural Australia Council Award for Outstanding Achievement in Emerging and Experimental Arts.<\/p>\n
Professor Stelarc, from Curtin\u2019s School of Design and Art, was recognised for his life-time achievement in performance art often incorporating a \u2018radical\u2019 use of his own body through prosthetics, robotics, biotechnology and virtuality.<\/p>\n
The Australia Council Awards recognise significant achievements and contributions to the Australian arts and cultural landscape.<\/p>\n
Dr Julian Goddard, Head of Curtin\u2019s School of Design and Art, said Stelarc inspires the arts and research communities across the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a performance artist and researcher, Stelarc has been pushing the boundaries of experimental art for decades. His work has pioneered conversations about the body in contemporary society,\u201d Dr Goddard said.<\/p>\n
\u201cStelarc is a leading figure not only in the arts, but also in research and academia, so we are delighted that he has been deservedly recognised with this prestigious award.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Stelarc said it was excellent to be acknowledged by the Australia Council in the realm of emerging and experimental art.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis award is meaningful not only for my past projects and performances but also for the present creative research we are doing in the Alternate Anatomies Lab at Curtin,\u201d Professor Stelarc said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis national award will certainly assist in generating more interest and interactive collaborations at Curtin and within the local arts and technology community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Stelarc has worked at Curtin since 2013 where he is the Director of Curtin\u2019s Alternate Anatomies Lab. Stelarc is exhibiting, performing and speaking in Toronto, Auckland, Seoul and Perth this year.<\/p>\n
Stelarc\u2019s present projects include an ambidextrous arm, a micro-robot, a wearable sound generating structure and an internet-enabled extra ear that was surgically constructed and cell-grown on his arm.<\/p>\n