The Liu Shiming Art Foundation congratulates Sunday Derham on receiving the 2024 Liu Shiming Art Award. Sunday’s work combines physical sculptures and digital media, exploring themes of performance, confidence, vulnerability, and humor. This award recognizes her significant contributions and supports her continued development as an artist.
Sunday’s artistic journey began with a clear realization that art was her calling. Despite the challenges of building a career in Australia, she remains committed to creating works that engage audiences on multiple levels. Her recent pieces, such as the ‘X’ sculpture, reflect her ability to utilize space effectively, both physically and conceptually.
Sunday Derham, Glory X, 2024. Courtesy of the artist.
A turning point in Sunday’s career was during university, when a mentor’s affirmation gave her confidence to embrace her unique voice. Her work now integrates tactile and digital elements, resulting in immersive installations that provoke thought and dialogue. By blending video and sculpture, Sunday creates dynamic interactions between the physical and digital realms. One project that exemplifies this approach involved integrating screens into architectural forms, leading her to explore how these mediums can complement or obstruct one another, creating new narratives within the work.
Sunday’s exploration of performance and humor adds another layer to her practice. Drawing inspiration from clown schools in France and performers like Elvis Presley, she delves into themes of embarrassment, confidence, and ego. Her work captures the tension between vulnerability and boldness, using these contrasts to challenge traditional notions of self-expression. This theatrical element of her art invites audiences to reflect on their own emotions and interactions with the world around them.
Interview with Sunday Derham:
Sunday Derham, Glory Xx, 2024. Courtesy of the artist.
Q: Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and why you chose to become an artist?
Sunday Derham: My name is Sunday Derham, and I recently completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. Art has always been a natural path for me—creating has felt right for as long as I can remember. I know it’s challenging to pursue a career in art, especially in Australia, where opportunities can be limited, but it’s something I’m passionate about and feel is worth the journey.
Q: What challenges do you face as an emerging artist?
Getting exhibitions is incredibly competitive. Many galleries select artists they’re already familiar with, which can be frustrating. Financially, renting a studio or accessing quality tools is also challenging, especially as my work often involves larger-scale pieces that I can’t create at home.
Q: How do you see this scholarship influencing your career as a visual art student?
I am deeply grateful for this scholarship. It has boosted my confidence and will help me afford the materials and tools needed to continue creating works.
Q: How do you intend to utilize the resources offered by this scholarship?
I plan to use the scholarship funds to purchase tools and materials for new sculptures and to secure studio space. My works are large and require a dedicated space separate from my living area. Without this scholarship, these investments would be difficult.
Q: Your work blends physical sculpture with digital media. How did this approach develop?
I focused solely on video for about three years, but I grew tired of conventional displays like monitors or projections. I wanted to find more engaging ways to exhibit my work. One project involved integrating screens into a room’s architecture, which inspired me to create my own forms to interact with the videos. This process led to my current style, where digital and physical elements coexist, sometimes complementing or obstructing each other.
Q: Your works also incorporate themes of performance and humor. Could you elaborate?
I’ve always been fascinated by performers and the courage it takes to embrace embarrassment. Researching clown schools in France deeply resonated with me—they teach students to overcome self-consciousness and use humility as a strength. I’m inspired by this approach, as well as iconic performers like Elvis Presley, who embodied both power and vulnerability. These ideas manifest in my work through bold structures paired with playful, performative elements that challenge traditional boundaries.
Written and Interviewed by: Chirui Cheng
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