Who is Simone Chua?
Bornn Sydney with Chinese Australian Heritage. I’m the eldest of three daughters. I’m described as direct, open-minded and chaotic. You will always see me carrying a bright-coloured bum bag that holds my trinkets as I have a tendency to lose things. Quick to laugh at myself, an optimist that always gives people the benefit of the doubt, not good at pretending, I wear my thoughts on my face. I strive to approach situations and people with generosity. I like being behind the scenes, facilitating situations for others to pursue their creative visions. I’m resilient and gritty, have a high threshold for stress , like to learn by doing and jumping into the middle of things.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think at this point I would take more time away from my work, find calm through connecting with nature.
Who inspires you and why?
I don’t really follow people as idols but am privileged enough to have close individuals in my community who inspire me. People who admit their own mistakes, who are flexible in their opinions, take time to listen and consider other points of view. In Amigo & Amigo, the team inspires me, their commitment to each other, the creative collaboration without ego, their genuine care.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would like to be part of empathetic participatory art collaborations that empowers people in the act of creating but also provides a platform to those who don’t otherwise have a voice.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t really have a favourite holiday destination, but I do have a fascination with Lightning Ridge and want to visit this year.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
My favourite thing is to take my friends around my community in Marrickville, Sydney. Nice walks around the back streets checking out all the warehouses, Marrickville Bowlo, Vietnamese eats, sunsets in Henson Park.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and The Voice to Parliament Handbook by Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien.
What are you currently listening to?
Arooj Aftjap album, Vulture Prince.
Happiness is?
Spontaneity Impromptu mini adventures, feeling connected to place, good conversation.
What does the future hold for you?
Working towards collaboration with contemporary dancers to use our lightworks to create an immersive performance space. We are also working towards creating a 10 year retrospective of our interactive light artworks.
Simone is the Director of Amigo & Amigo – whose multisensory large-scale installations can be seen at Rialto Aglow – which runs from 19 – 29 July 2023. For more information, visit: www.rialto.com.au for details.
Image: Simone Chua (supplied)