Our connection as artists is based on a history of dialogues.
We began in a shared studio, working quietly along side each other. This time spent together formed a bond based on dependence and affirmation.
Our first collaboration was a manifestation of this relationship, and a questioning of its facets and boundaries. This process brought out aspects of our connection that had not been considered, particularly a shared need to compete. The balance between these responses of support and ambition became the narrative of our work.
We approach our individual work in distinctive ways, one subjective and intimate, another cerebral and pragmatic . Together, these traits play off each other, forming a new space in which to create. The collaborative work is consistently a dialogue between these aspects.
Coexistent cv
Robyn Nesbitt www.robynnesbitt.com (b 1984) currently works and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa
Nina Barnett www.ninabarnett.org (b 1983) currently works and lives in Chicago, USA
Education
2006 Barnett and Nesbitt both completed Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, with distinction.
2010 Nesbitt completed her Master of Fine Arts, The University of Cape Town Michaelis School of Fine Art.
2012 Barnett completed her Masters at The University of Chicago.
Awards
2007 Spier Contemporary
Residencies
2013
Pro Helvetia, PROGR Berne Switzerland (July – August – November)
Air Bergen at USF, Norway (September – October)
2011
Sober & Lonely Institute for Contemporary Art (SLICA) Suburban Residency (July)
2008
Cite Des Arts International, Paris. (August – October)
Collections
2010 UNISA Gallery Collection
2008 Johannesburg Art Gallery
Catalogues
Spier Contemporary 2007 Catalogue
The New Spell, 2008 (David Krut)
Exhibitions
2011 “Where are we exactly - are we near the island? The island- is that what you call it?, VANSA Spin Street space, Cape Town.
Oh My, Oh My: from the annals of a great telepathic affair, Convocation House, Johannesburg
“Where are we exactly - are we near the island? The island- is that what you call it?, Outlet Project Room, Johannesburg
Unisa Art Gallery Recent Acquisitions 2011 Exhibition, Unisa Art Gallery, Pretoria
2010 Anonymous Feature – Experiment 1 Intimate Theatre, Cape Town
Wish you where here Fort Worth Contemporary Arts Gallery, Texas
Contemporary Artists from South African Galleri 3,14 Begen, Norway
Mixtape, Mobile Cinema National Arts Festival, Grahamstown
Contemporary South Africa ISIS ARTS, Newcastle, UK
Guest video-screening programme: Contemporary South Africa International digital arts festival, Sofia Bulgaria
2009 Can you hear me Public space, New york
2008 Spier Contemporary Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg
Warcry Live! Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg
The New Spell David Krut Fine Arts, New York
2007 Spier Contemporary Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
2006 Kazoo Play, Action, Intervention in Public and Private Space, Performance art festival The Premises Art Gallery, Johannesburg
