D'Arcy Rouillard

I am an Australian-Mauritian, born in 1998. From a young age, I harboured an enduring love for artistic expression, a passion that eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor in Fine Arts at RMIT. Studying art in a university setting helped me cultivate my artistic ideas and hone my craft, though it was through supplementary engagement with VAS workshops that proved integral to developing my technical skills. Laying the foundation for me as an artist.

Though I am constantly working and expanding my skill set to encompass more mediums and methods of artistic expression my practice revolves primarily around textile and sculptural mediums.

I am currently investigating a variety of themes and subjects including; feminism, the materiality of metal, the material relationship between metal and textiles, and functional art.

I use embroidery and textile mediums to explore themes of femininity, feminism, and the history of women's artistic limitations imposed by society, expressing women's experiences, rights, and the overlooked contributions of female artists. This foundation informs my tapestry Artemisia and artworks on women's reproductive rights, like Precious. My sculpting practice is freeing and exploratory, with a focus on the materiality of bronze and metal as in my artworks; Ascension and Descension. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of both mediums by incorporating elements of textiles into my bronze sculptures and vice versa to create a dynamic interplay between mediums.

As I continue to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of contemporary art, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of my craft, challenging conventions, and amplifying voices that have long been silenced. Through art, I strive to forge connections, provoke thought, and inspire change.