Here and Now: Gold Coast Triennial 2024 Digital Gallery
Emily Dolphin
b.1987 Ingham QLD, lives Gold Coast QLD
Paradise is Calling , 2024
acrylic and glitter on canvas
Image courtesy of the artist
Artist Statement
My style is colourful, joyful chaos with playful imperfections, representing a spectrum of overwhelming feelings. I blend imagery from nature with vibrant and nostalgic characters to explore healing from trauma and mental health struggles.
Using text in my art is important, as it allows me to express parts of my voice and identity obscured by stigma. This work is cathartic for me to create, and I aim to bring joy and compassion to others.
About the Artist
Emily Dolphin is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coolangatta, Gold Coast. Emily's vibrant and colourful creations are characterised by playful imperfections, inspired by her love of nature and childhood nostalgia, and reflections on mental health and identity.
Growing up in Far North Queensland, Emily spent her days immersed in nature, making art and drawing inspiration from wildlife. After moving to Brisbane for high school, she won the Education Minister's Award for the Arts, through which she exhibited at the Queensland Art Gallery. Emily completed a Bachelor of Animation and a Master of Digital Design at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, with her graduate film screened at international film festivals.
Emily has exhibited in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and participated in public programs for the Museum of Brisbane, Bleach* Festival, HOTA Gallery, and Surface Festival. She recently completed a residency at Level Up Gallery 4217 + Studio at the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre.
