Julia Makojnik
→ julia.makojnik@gmail.com→ Shop
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, educator and curator working in Greater Manchester.
In my art practice, I work across photography, drawing, risograph, writing, textiles and fibre arts. I also grow plants, forage and cook - all of which feed into how I engage with subjects, materials and methods of production. I make publications as a way to consolidate projects, bring together different strands of my practice and share them with an audience.
My practice is concerned with place and environment through archival, visual and geographical research. My work reflects how engaging with the layered histories of an area, its inhabitants, politics and topographies can promote personal involvement in its future. In the digital age, I’m interested in how we develop richer relationships with places we live or spend time in, and how creative engagement can lead us to take responsibility for stewarding our environments.
All objects I create are concerned with sustainability. I create my base materials or source them locally, and when that is impossible I use only high quality, recyclable second hand or industry surplus materials. I never outsource any production processes, which are often inspired by traditional techniques. The works are intended to start conversations about consumerism and mass production industries, and the time, resources and skill required to make and environmental impact of physical objects.
I have experience curating and arts programming in a variety of contexts and working with small to medium size budgets. I am currently part of the programme team at Braziers International Film Festival. In the past, I have worked in a range of gallery spaces and contexts, and with nationally and internationally renowned artists. Please see my CV for a full list of projects.
I have worked in higher education since 2016, with students across Foundation, BA and MA art and design programmes. I deliver targeted technical teaching sessions across photography, studio lighting, sewing and textile arts, Adobe CC software, digital print, risograph printing, bookmaking and drawing. I co-run an open-access fabric technology facility covering fabric printing, computerised machine embroidery and digital fashion pattern plotting. I plan and deliver curriculum sessions across two modules on the Art and Design Foundation programme. I am currently completing a PGCAP.
I am based at Rogue Artists’ Studios in Gorton, Greater Manchester and I’m currently open to programming projects and running creative workshops beyond the university. Please get in touch via e-mail if you have something in mind.