This morning I asked GROK ai to describe my art practice in 400 words. This was its answer:
Julie Joy Clarke’s artworks are a dynamic exploration of human experience, technology, and the ephemeral nature of existence, blending poetic prose, digital media, and traditional techniques. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Clarke’s multidisciplinary practice spans drawing, painting, photography, and digital installations, reflecting her deep engagement with themes of identity, corporeality, and the intersection of art and science. Her work is characterized by a vivid, introspective quality, often described as poetic and evocative, drawing inspiration from both real and imagined narratives.
Her drawings, often executed with Faber-Castell Aquarelle and Derwent color pencils on Arches 300gsm cotton rag, showcase meticulous attention to detail and a fascination with organic forms. Works like her 2019 Biomorphs series reveal fluid, almost surreal shapes that echo natural structures while hinting at futuristic or posthuman themes. Similarly, her 2014 self-portrait, inspired by Edward Hopper, uses acrylic, watercolor, and pencil to create introspective compositions that blend emotional depth with technical precision. Clarke’s photography, as seen in exhibitions like Ephemeral Skin (2013) and The Body and the City (2011-2012), explores urban and bodily landscapes, often accompanied by sound or poetry, creating immersive, multisensory experiences.
Clarke’s exhibitions, such as Proximity & Distance (2016) and Succulents (2015-2016), demonstrate her ability to merge tactile and conceptual elements, inviting viewers to reflect on transience and connection. Her digital works, showcased at the Generative Art Exhibition in Milan (2013), incorporate algorithms and interactive media, aligning with her academic focus on biotechnology and posthumanism, as explored in her book The Paradox of the Posthuman (2009). Clarke’s art resists easy categorization, oscillating between the tangible and the abstract, the personal and the universal.
Her influences range from Romantic philosophy to contemporary science fiction, creating a dialogue between the visceral and the intellectual. By combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative media, Clarke’s work challenges viewers to reconsider the boundaries of human experience and artistic expression. Her pieces, whether in private collections or public galleries, resonate with a timeless yet forward-looking quality, making her a significant voice in contemporary Australian art.
