Pilar Mata Dupont: A Nation Between

This project was selected as one of 5 artist profile videos under the banner of Art X West. An initiative by Screenwest and ABC.

Pilar Mata Dupont creates visually astounding artworks that draw heavily from cinematic language to explore national icons and mythologies from different parts of the world. Pilar boldly interrogates beloved national icons in her home nation of Australia, and in places as diverse as Finland and South Korea.

Pilar Mata Dupont: The Nation Between is a short documentary that delves deep into the artist’s mind, asking what drives her to put our national stereotypes and tendencies under the microscope of her art.

Pilar believes that war, sport and national icons act as key players in building nationalistic fervour and sentiment. She suggests also that as Australian’s we would do well to look more closely at our concept of what makes us ‘Aussie.’ Pilar’s artwork shines a light on the way our shared identity is built through a shared idolisation of things like surf-lifesavers and Ned Kelly, but asks whether these revered icons lead to a national identity that actually includes all Australians.

Pilar Mata Dupont: The Nation Between refuses to examine any one particular piece of work, rather, Pilar’s work speaks for itself as broader issues and themes underlying her work are discussed. This culminates in the artist, revealing a deeply personal connection to the issues that repeatedly appear in her work.

Pilar Mata Dupont: The Nation Between is an intriguing personal perspective on an age-old, but increasingly pertinent global phenomenon. Through Pilar’s narration the audience gains valuable insights to just how personal experience can drive an artist’s practice. It also challenges the audience to look at their own national tendencies in a new light.

CREDITS
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY Sam Bodhi Field
PRODUCED BY Alice Wolfe
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Batt
EDITOR & GRAPHICS Adam Rule
SOUND RECORDIST Ash Charlton
MUSIC COMPOSER Marc Philip Earley
ABC POST PRODUCTION EDIT & GRADE Brian Rogers
ABC POST PRODUCTION AUDIO Kim Lord
BUSINESS AFFAIRS MANAGER & LAWYER Claudia Lawson
SERIES PRODUCER Brendan Hutchens
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Nicola Harvey
PRODUCED in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
PRODUCED with the assistance of ScreenWest
FILMED ON LOCATION AND POST PRODUCED IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA