Embracing Invisibility: Artist Rose Nolan on the Art of Slowing Down and Sidestepping Social Media

Immersive Art Experience: Patricia Piccinini’s ‘Breathing Helps’ Opens at TarraWarra Museum

HEALESVILLE, AUSTRALIA – A captivating new exhibition, ‘Breathing Helps’ by acclaimed Australian artist Patricia Nolan, opens this week at teh TarraWarra Museum of Art.Curated by Dr Victoria Lynn, the show promises a deeply immersive experience, diverging from a customary retrospective to envelop viewers within the scale of Nolan’s monumental works.

The exhibition marks the first time these towering pieces have been displayed together, alongside newly commissioned creations. visitors are encouraged to engage with the art from multiple perspectives – walking through the works, observing them from above, and allowing the sheer size to resonate.Adding another layer to the experience, Nolan has collaborated with artist Shelley Lasica, who will present a series of specially choreographed dance performances within the exhibition space.

Nolan’s work draws clear inspiration from pioneers of text-based art like Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger, while also reflecting a long-held fascination with Russian constructivism stemming from her travels in the 1980s. However, Nolan distinguishes her approach, emphasizing a deliberate avoidance of didactic messaging.

Rather, she meticulously gathers fragments of language – overheard conversations, self-help literature, art theory – seeking phrases that possess a natural rhythm and the potential to subtly alter one’s perception of time.

“The text and the time spent making becomes part of the latent energy within the work,” Nolan explains.”And that becomes an elusive presence that gets extended to the viewer. You can’t get in one grab. You have to take the time, you have to slow down.”

Beyond the Immediate: The Enduring Power of Immersive Art

‘Breathing Helps’ arrives at a moment were audiences are increasingly seeking experiences that transcend passive observation. Immersive art installations, like those pioneered by teamLab and others, are gaining global prominence, demonstrating a desire for art that actively engages the senses and encourages introspection.

Nolan’s work taps into this trend, but with a distinctly conceptual foundation. The emphasis on language, time, and the viewer’s own pace of engagement positions the exhibition as a powerful meditation on the act of perception itself.

The artist’s deliberate choice to avoid overt messaging is particularly noteworthy. In an era saturated with data,Nolan’s subtle approach offers a refreshing option – an invitation to feel and experience rather than to be told. This nuanced approach ensures the work remains open to interpretation,fostering a deeper and more personal connection with each viewer.

‘Breathing Helps’ is poised to be a landmark exhibition, not only for the TarraWarra Museum of Art but for the broader landscape of contemporary Australian art.It’s a compelling reminder of art’s capacity to slow us down, to encourage reflection, and to offer a space for quiet contemplation in a relentlessly fast-paced world.

How might intentionally limiting your online visibility, as Rose Nolan has done, impact an artist’s creative process and intrinsic motivation?

The Conscious uncoupling from the Digital Realm

Artist Rose Nolan’s work often explores themes of labor, visibility, and the often-invisible forces shaping our lives. Ironically, or perhaps intentionally, Nolan herself has largely opted out of the pervasive visibility demanded by contemporary art-world culture, and especially, social media. This isn’t a rejection of technology itself, but a purposeful strategy for protecting creative space, fostering deeper engagement with her practise, and resisting the pressures of constant self-promotion. Her approach offers a compelling alternative for artists, creatives, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of online presence. This article delves into Nolan’s philosophy and provides practical strategies for cultivating a similar “invisibility” in your own life.

Why Disconnect? The Costs of Constant Visibility

The pressure to maintain an active social media presence is particularly acute for artists. It’s often framed as essential for career advancement – building an audience, securing gallery representation, and selling work. Though, Nolan argues that this constant self-marketing can be deeply detrimental to the creative process.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential downsides:

Time Consumption: Maintaining a robust social media presence is a significant time commitment, diverting energy from actual art-making.

Creative Stifling: the need to constantly produce content about your work can overshadow the work itself, leading to self-censorship and a focus on what’s “shareable” rather than what’s genuinely meaningful.

External Validation: Relying on likes, comments, and shares for validation can erode intrinsic motivation and lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

The Performance of Authenticity: Social media often encourages a curated, performative version of self, hindering genuine connection and self-discovery.

Comparison & Competition: The constant exposure to other artists’ work can fuel unhealthy comparison and a sense of competition.

Nolan’s decision to step back isn’t about ignoring the art world; it’s about redefining her relationship to it. It’s about prioritizing depth over breadth, and process over presentation. This resonates with a growing movement advocating for digital minimalism and intentional technology use.

Rose Nolan’s Strategies for Maintaining creative Space

Nolan’s approach isn’t a complete digital blackout. It’s a carefully considered strategy of selective engagement and boundary setting. Here are some key elements:

Delayed Gratification: She avoids the immediate feedback loop of social media, allowing her work to develop organically without the influence of external opinions.

Prioritizing Direct Engagement: Nolan focuses on building relationships with curators, collectors, and fellow artists through direct communication – studio visits, email correspondence, and in-person events.

Embracing Slow Time: She actively cultivates periods of uninterrupted time for research,experimentation,and reflection. This aligns with the principles of slow art and slow living.

Focus on the Work: The primary focus remains on the art itself, not on documenting or promoting it.

Delegation (When Possible): While Nolan largely manages her own communication, she acknowledges the value of having someone else handle certain aspects of online presence if resources allow.

The Benefits of Digital Distance: A Case for Focused Creativity

The benefits of this approach extend beyond simply freeing up time. Nolan’s experience demonstrates that disconnecting from the constant noise of social media can:

Enhance Focus & Concentration: Reduced distractions lead to deeper immersion in the creative process.

Foster Originality: Stepping away from trends and external influences allows for the development of a unique artistic voice.

Increase Self-Awareness: Without the constant need for external validation, artists can reconnect with their intrinsic motivations and values.

Improve Mental Wellbeing: Reducing exposure to the pressures of social media can alleviate anxiety,stress,and feelings of inadequacy.

* Strengthen Real-World Connections: Prioritizing direct engagement fosters more meaningful and lasting relationships.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Your Own “Invisibility”

You don’t have to be a renowned artist to benefit from a more mindful approach to technology. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Schedule “Digital detox” periods: start with small, manageable blocks of time – an hour a day, a weekend a month – where you completely disconnect from social media and other digital distractions.
2. Turn off Notifications: Reduce the constant bombardment of alerts that pull you away from your work.
3. Limit Social Media Usage: Set time limits for specific platforms or use website blockers to restrict access.
4. Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that trigger negative emotions or contribute to feelings of comparison.
5. Prioritize Offline Activities: Make time for activities that nourish your soul and bring you joy – reading, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones.
6. Embrace Boredom: Allow yourself to experience moments of quiet contemplation and unstructured time. This can be a fertile ground for creativity.
7. Focus on Deep Work: Implement strategies for minimizing distractions