'The biggest challenge I have is trusting the process … A resolution will emerge': Meet Astrid Mulder, alum of Graduate Certificate in Visual Art and Master of Contemporary Art

Across performance, photography and video, VCA graduate Astrid Mulder creates work that plays with choreography, colour and form and questions how we communicate and navigate the world. She spoke to us about her initial experience in the Graduate Certificate in Visual Art – a prelude to her work graduating the Master of Contemporary Art with first class honours. (Photo courtesy of Astrid Mulder.)

The choreography I develop in my work reflects a personal dialogue between my body and the materials, colours and forms I interact with.

Body language and visual communication are at the heart of my work.So my identity and experiences come into my work quite naturally, through the use of my own body in my artwork. We each possess a distinct way of connecting with others and our surroundings. I'm simply highlighting the humour, joy and complexity of this as a central element of my art.

It’s hard to pinpoint a direct source of inspiration for me – I’m constantly gathering material that informs my work. I might come across an object or environment that intrigues me, or a composition or colour palette that sparks a specific feeling or set of associations.

I wanted to apply for the Master of Contemporary Art and read online that the Graduate Certificate in Visual Art provides eligibility and improves competitiveness for those seeking entry. I thought this course would be a great stepping stone and provide me with the opportunity to refine my portfolio.

Previously, I completed a Bachelor of Design with a focus on set design and editorial photography. However, I always regretted not studying visual art and decided it was time to finally go for it.

My acceptance into the MCA was the biggest achievement for me out of this course.

Astrid Mulder in the VCA photography studios, making ‘Excuse Me’ (2022). Photo courtesy of Astrid Mulder.

This course provided me with the skills to effectively discuss and analyse my work – it helped me gain a deeper understanding of the methodologies that underpin my creative practice. It was really great to uncover some of the underlying themes within my practice through conversations with lecturers and presentations/critiques of my work with fellow students.

I think it’s really important to establish a good support network and creative community for yourself. Having people to share your success and failures with can be completely transformative. I think building relationships with other students who were in a similar position to me was a highlight of this course.

We had a few projects in which we were required to collaborate with other students to create new work and project outcomes. This was great for skill sharing and learning how to adapt my approach and thinking within group contexts.

It can be quite isolating, going at it alone, and it was great to come out of the course with a community of people I could share new ideas and challenges with.

Excuse Me (2022). Artwork and photo courtesy of Astrid Mulder.

I’d like to continue making new work for local and interstate exhibitions. Additionally, I aspire to secure representation with a commercial gallery that can provide support and nurture my artistic practice as it progresses.

I also work as a freelance photographer and offer a professional art documentation service. I love working alongside other local artists, curators and galleries to capture exhibitions, performances and events.

The biggest challenge I have is trusting the process. I have to remind myself that if I put the work in, a resolution will emerge.

Usually when things are going all wrong, something just right comes out of it.

Discover the Graduate Certificate in Visual Art at the Victorian College of the Arts.