Dundee graduate to study water use in New Mexico

A Dundee graduate has embarked on a threemonth trip to one of the world’s driest regions to examine society’s use of water.

Holly Keasey has taken up a residency at the Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI) in New Mexico as part of the taxpayer-funded trip.

She will spend her time in the United States looking at “the use and misuse of a substance that is critical to everybody’s lives”.

Holly, who graduated with a BA in art, philosophy and contemporary practice from Dundee University in 2011, received £4,274 from Creative Scotland for the project.

She will join the SFAI’s renowned water rights programme.

Holly has previously looked at water through her work.

Her graduate show included a pool with floating artist’s book, alongside decking and a bench to relax at the water’s edge.

She has also been lead artist for the Clyde River Foundation.

Writing about her stay in Santa Fe, she said: “The opportunity to focus on water within our individual projects and collectively, through formal and casual discussions that occur when you live and work together, can only be beneficial to expanding our approaches and supportive networks during and beyond the thematic residency format.”

The SFAI was founded in 1985 to provide opportunities for artists to conduct short, intensive periods of study.

Holly Keasey