Sophie Tunks

@sophietunkss

Sophie Tunks is an emerging artist working on Gadigal land, Eora. Her process based practice centers on the material investigation of stains and marks within found objects through printmaking methodologies. She views these marks as indicators of human possession and the objects' ability to retain aspects of human interaction, exploring themes of waste and the enduring nature of discarded items. Since childhood, Sophie has been a collector, captivated by the surface qualities of objects that resonate with her.

Her practice is informed by object-oriented ontology, which challenges the anthropocentric view of existence. By defunctionalising found objects, Sophie encourages viewers to reconsider their purpose, echoing the speculative potential as encountered in space. She emphasises the independence of found objects from their formal roles, inviting a dialogue about material vitality.

Sophie’s work highlights the traces of time and human intervention on objects. She engages with the raw, gritty presence of stains, exploring the intersection of absence and memory. Her process involves documenting, scanning and enlarging these objects, performing maintenance, and experimenting with disassembly and reassembly to unearth speculative narratives.

Ultimately, her work fosters empathy for the inanimate, transforming the way we perceive the discarded and inviting reflection on our relationship with the objects that surround us.

View the work: Building 16, Building 27, Rayner Hoff Project Space