In association with her exhibition Drawing, Synopsis and Song, artist Sarah Callesen and Massey University STEM Engagement Leader, Carolle Varughese, will host and evening discussion around the exhibition’s themes and how they intersect with notions of sustainable diversity within the STEM sector in Aotearoa.
Sarah Callesen is an artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, from Manawatū. She is currently studying towards an MFA at Elam, the University of Auckland where her research-based practice focuses on the work of influential women whose contributions have been lost, forgotten or otherwise maligned or concealed.
Sarah has participated in the 2018 & 2019 Projects exhibitions, Auckland Art Fair; group shows at RM, George Fraser, and Projectspace galleries. She was a finalist in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, the Wallace Art Awards, a merit winner and multiple finalist in the Parkin Drawing Prize.
Carolle Varughese is an educator and a science communicator within the STEM sector. Being the only female Bachelor of Science student to graduate in Astronomy at her ceremony, in Aotearoa, she aims to break perceived stereotypes and encourage sustainable diversity within STEM.
In 2019 Varughese co-organised the event ‘Her Story – Defining Women in Astronomy’ which brought together successful NZ women/female-identifying astronomers for a panel discussion on how marginalised groups can engage in astronomy and do well at it. A core topic being inclusivity, diversity and intersectionality in STEM workplaces. She has also written about the lack of women of colour in science communication. Varughese is currently a STEM Engagement Leader at Massey University, educational group leader at the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, council member for the Auckland Astronomical Society and founding member of the Space & Science Festival Society.
Exhibition info HERE