My work is pre-occupied with context and its effect upon identity. I make objects that are functional as well as mobile, and demonstrate the features of these items through drawing, photography and video. Each object is a limited edition or multiple, packaged as a 'retail product' and identified with the pseudonym Artnomad. The identity of Artnomad was previously embedded in a camouflage motif. Camouflage aptly embodies the notion of morphing and adaptation - an amoebic identity continuously in a state of flux. Its negative associations with warfare however, prove difficult to shirk, and its use in urban fashion result in grounding Artnomad to a particular culture and location, to fulfil itself Artnomad must become more international.

My current project 'Dandelion' mimics the language of branding in order to extend itself into the world. 'Dandelion' discusses issues relating to diversity, displacement, globalisation, commodity and equality through participatory means. The objective of the project is to create a diaspora - a community of peoples scattered far and wide. The link between these individuals is the generic t-shirt - a universal item of clothing, which signifies through its sameness, fundamentally shared human characteristics. The general public is invited into the Dandelion community via a 'dispersal' event during which individuals are asked to give basic information and pose for a photograph. The project begun in August 2006 and is on-going. The aim is to touch as diverse a range of individuals to the widest geographical area possible.  The Dandelion community now stands at 180 members, after several events in London, St Lucia as well as Armenia.

Amanda Francis

art_nomad@hotmail.com