Two Australian artists win Indian art residencies

Two Australian artists have won residencies in India under Melbourne University's AsiaLink initiative, a statement said Wednesday.

Artists Arlene de Souza and Kate Blackmore will be taking residences at the Kriti Gallery and Residency in Varanasi.

"They are two exciting Australian artists who have won international recognition for their work, and I am delighted they will both be travelling to India this year," Australia's acting High Commissioner Bernard Philip said in a statement.

"These residencies will give both artists the opportunity to discover professional development opportunities in India and share their knowledge and networks with local artists and curators," he added.

Philip also pointed out that it is an invaluable opportunity to encourage cultural collaboration between the two countries.

Souza's works ask questions on gender, identity and sexuality and while in India, she will explore Goan heritage through a series of self-portraits set in hybrid Australian-Indian landscapes.

Where as Blackmore, a Sydney-based artist, who works across video, installation and performance will create a video installation in India in collaboration with members of the female activist group Gulabi Gang, which fights domestic violence.