Image from Something More series

Moffatt works in both film and photography. Before she became an artist she worked in television and directed music videos. This has helped her in her current work as a full time fine artist. For her photographs she creates a scene almost by building a film set. She picks locations and hires actors. When she thinks of a new series she draws shapes of how it will look first and then figures out the content. She has a true love for movies, literature, and vintage photos which all make appearances in her work. Originally from Brisbane, Australia she has been in New York for twelve years.

Love (film still), 2003

There does not seem to be a consistent look to her work but all of her work does seem to have a narrative. She is not interested in capturing reality but in creating her own. Her work is about the human condition. One of the  series she created was photographing and highlighting the athletes who came in 4th place in Olympics right after they had lost. Some of them went on to win medals in subsequent Olympic games. It just goes to show you that one minute you can be a loser and the next you can be at the top of your game.

Self-portrait

She grew up reading and watching movies to escape the boredom of suburban life. Her love for films becomes apparent when she screens her new film, Mother, to us. A montage of old and new Hollywood movies, the twenty minute film tugs at heartstrings, makes viewers laugh and just when you think she has touched on every emotion one has when it comes to mother/child relationships, she brings up a new topic. Her editor for her films has an archive of over 300o films. Though she appropriates music and imagery, the concept is hers and I have to say, the way she puts it all together really moves the viewer. Her uncanny ability to masterfully structure the work must be partly attributed to her previous work in tv and video. An entertaining and interesting artist.