Rhine Bernardino

Staying within the ‘self’, along with the body’s framework and context, I actively experiment with myself in order to draw out or possibly activate higher understanding of it, as a physical and biological structure– more internal/inward approach to address sociological, socio-political and cultural issues and concerns related to the body as both a physical entity, a blueprint that carries numerous symbolism, history and associations.

In line with this research are extensive collaborations with various artists, to help explore notions of self and the other. I believe this pushes an individual in a certain state to investigate different ways of getting closer to oneself whilst understanding the 'other' and society at large. Along with this, I also incorporate the use of materials that exist/taken from the body (i.e hair, blood, bodily fluids), those that are most often disregarded (i.e toilet paper) and ones that are highly charged yet very accessible, like balloons and most recently, coins.

I’m the founder and one of the curators of _inventory, a collaborative platform that organises exhibitions in alternative and public spaces, showcasing young artists’ works in alternative spaces in the city whilst developing a research-based art practice that aims to engage communities in art through public performances, events and discussions in the rural context.

My dissertation is about exploring possibilities of contemporary art practice in the rural context and communities, vis-a-vis urban practices.