Works by Rhys Cousins

From my window facing the street

Despite living in close proximity to the city, I always headed into university. When the pandemic hit, and I was notified semesters will be online, it was a real blow to my sense of community, connection and interaction. Online is not the same. I moved into my own studio space just before covid started and viewed the pandemic as an opportunity to focus on my aspirations as an early career artist. The studio itself has become a project titled "from my window facing the street". I would bring the aspects from campus I believe most desirable to me.

First – Purchase coffee machine and start brewin’. Thinking time!

Second – as a form of intervention, draw pedestrians to my window through a small step and a sign: Free coffee! (but bring your own mug).

Third – Extended my hand to the local strangers. Fourth – I now serve free coffee through the ‘bars’ of my window. Despite the interaction being short, it provides a sense of inclusion and welcome to the area.

Fifth – Ask repeat visitors to bring an item or thing from their home, to add to mine

From my window facing the street, I have made my own community.

Mackenzie Curtis

Mackenzie Curtis focuses on creating vibrant and dynamic work across a variety of media. Through her studies she has worked primarily in experimental film where she explores the relationship between maker, work and audience and the emotional connections that can be made. Mackenzie’s latest film Bug was selected to premiere at the Geelong International Film Festival and official selection for VASTlab Experimental Festival, being held in Los Angeles later this year.