Nomadic Operating Platforms: Observation Deck / Drawing from Observation 
Ri Williamson

Ri Williamson’s work is best described as being suspended somewhere between art and architecture. Architecture, and investigation into the socio-spatial dynamics of architectural space, drives her practice. Such dynamics manifest in the socio-spatial realm due to design, change or control. Global Mobility and Urbanism are two recurring concepts of interest to Williamson, and since 2004, Williamson has been traveling and researching such concepts in Asia, Europe and The United States. Her working practice pivots around research concepts and her immersion in the focus architectural climates.

Williamson’s research investigations have been directed by her recent projects In Search of the Nomadic State, Airside | Landside and Architectural Membranes and the Proximity of Lives. These projects have been about the crossover of global mobility, communication technology, digital rendering, high-density urban development and architecture.

While working on the development and realisation of the above projects, her practice has changed to re-reflect the initial curiosities she had about the world upon leaving New Zealand. Consequently, Williamson feels she has found the Nomadic State and has adapted her studio practice to operate as an artist within it.

Nomadic Operating Platforms : Observation Deck / Drawing from Observation is an extension of the research side of Williamson’s practice. In her Kiosk installation, Williamson presents us with a three dimensional sketch of her nomadic studio, elevated from her carry-on luggage (which usually transports her studio tools).

Looking through the windows of the drawn architectural façade we can see one of Williamson’s typical working studios. In the space we can see working and conceptual drawings on her studio table, finished work, publications and other objects the artist travels with.

To the left of the studio space is a screen showing a loop of images currently being used by Williamson as she forms the basis of her next major installation regarding the blurring of geographical location as technology allows us greater insights across the globe.

In addition to this, whilst exhibiting in public space, Williamson is also gathering information or Drawing from Observation through her nomadic studio. A web-cam is recording information from within the Kiosk, in order to view shifts within the urban space it occupies. The findings from this project also form part of her next work, Nomadic Operating Platforms : Worlds Within Worlds.