genistaj@gmail.com
+351 913 555 195
skype ID: genistaj
Olá! I am a freelance arts writer and visual researcher, originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, now living and working between Lisbon and Alentejo, in Portugal. I am a native English speaker, conversational in German, and am currently learning European Portuguese at a B2 level.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland (Elam School of Fine Arts, 2003-2007), have co-founded and managed an artist-run space (Cross Street Studios, 2007-2010), organised a regular arts and craft market (Craftwerk, 2007-2009) and together with a non-profit radio station, co-organised a street festival (Cross Street Carnival, 2008+2009). I have also spent several years working in advertising, film and television—in both pre-production, as a creative, and on set, as a costume standby.
Now, after living in Berlin for six years (2011-2017), I am focused on writing about the creative work of others, and with developing my own art practice once again.
What I do:
- research and write articles for various online art publications (including for Format Magazine, Beautiful/Decay Art and Design Magazine, Widewalls, Messy Nessy Chic and homify.com—a few of which are here)
- write artist biographies for individuals (incl. for photographer Joanna Sprozch), and on a regular basis for online art database Ocula.com
- create specialist texts for exhibitions, including artwork descriptions and catalogue content (e.g. for artist Ella Goerner)
- collaborate on texts for creative projects and one-off assignments (incl. for interior photographer Anne-Catherine Scoffoni)
- ghostwrite, provide visual resources and design treatments on behalf of commercial directors, for international film and television projects
- write content for websites and small businesses (incl. Happiness Boutique and Banwood Bikes)
- transcribe artist talks, lectures or interviews (incl. for Berlin-based artist Loren Britton)
- I also currently handle the PR and dissemination for NZ art publishing platform Contemporary HUM which includes writing and designing a bi-monthly newsletter using MailChimp and liaising with various international galleries, universities and arts organisations to promote different essays
If you’re in need of an art-focused text or just want some inspirational visuals, say hi. I’m good at replying.
My mullet* and me with my goat at Animal Day in New Zealand, circa 1992
*mullet (or “Vokuhila” auf Deutsch): The mullet is a hairstyle in which the hair is cut short at the front and sides, but left long at the back. It is usually worn by men. (Source: Wikipedia)
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All images used on the title page are copyright free, or are under the creative commons, fair use or fair dealing licenses. Images that can be accredited to photographers, have been, and all other images have been sourced from websites free of copyright.
I do not own any of the rights to these images. They are used for research purposes only, but if you think any of them should be removed for any reason, please contact me.
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