Mark Hilton

Melbourne-born artist Mark Hilton works across sculpture, painting and drawing. He completed a residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York, and has exhibited widely across Australia as well as in Italy, Malaysia and the US.

What sort of art do you make?

I work in a variety of materials and methods that are dictated by the conceptual framework. Although I always think of myself a painter, real life outcomes tend to be sculptural. My interest lies in the space between the impossible and the inevitable, especially in relation to concepts of authority.

If you had to nominate one work to date that encapsulates your approach, which one would it be?

Onyx Pequeño [working title] 2023. My approaches are varied, however, at present my work is focused on more nuanced interpretations through paint and sculpture, and I work with materials such as Mexican marble and onyx. [image attached]

What was most inspiring about studying in New York at the ISCP?

Being in New York City, which is the most difficult and inspiring atmosphere I have ever experienced. ISCP itself was an amazing incubator to harness all these experiences.

How did the AusArt Fellowship support your study and research endeavours?

I could not have survived in NYC without the support of the AusArt Fellowship. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it truly was a life-changing experience. The Fellowship enabled me to focus solely on my practice without some of the financial constraints one has while living in NYC.

What did you experience or have access to while studying in the US that you couldn’t have experienced or accessed in Australia?

Everything that NYC has to offer. It is imperative that artists, or just humans, leave Australia. Australia is a very comfortable place to be a practising artist and that is not necessarily a good thing. One cannot create to their full capabilities without being challenged and experiencing points of difference. NYC does this daily. To truly ‘live' and spend time in a different environment is immensely educational. I am a different person, I think differently and I approach my work differently as a result of my experiences in New York.

Has studying in the US helped expand your professional network?

From a career perspective, the greatest benefit has been the forging of relationships. Thanks to the Fellowship, I have a deep connection with many new industry leaders throughout the world. However, this does not interest me as much as the production of new work. Studying in the US has helped push my practice towards more mature, nuanced and interesting outcomes.