Meet the Creatives: Scott Baker on Bioluminescence, big ideas and coming home to Wagga

From alleyway projections to immersive audiovisual performances, artist Scott Baker – aka Abre Ojos – doesn’t do small ideas. This May 16–18, he returns to Wagga as part of Bioluminescence, a hands-on digital projection experience lighting up The Station Creative Workspace during its official launch. But behind the spectacle is a deeply place-based, community-led practice – and a creative journey that started right here in the Riverina.

“I’m a South Coast artist and my arts practice is multidisciplinary. I probably throw that word around a bit too much,” Scott says with a laugh before explaining the three main aspects of his practice.

The first: Bioluminescence – a touring workshop and live event project teaching young regional creatives the technical and creative skills behind projection art. “Especially for regional young people that might not have exposure to learning how a projector works, let alone develop content for things like video projection mapping or V-Jing,” he explains.

The second thread is his solo work – spanning everything from video art for theatre productions to experimental projection mapping installations. “What is it if it’s a small little hole in the wall, in the back alley in the Sydney CBD?” he asks. “That’s a shift for me – focusing on smaller, more experimental moments.”

And then there’s Abre Ojos: his audiovisual practice that blends electronic music with reactive, immersive visuals. “I use a variety of different electronic music making machines and combine that with visuals, composing both together.”

For Bioluminescence at The Station, it’s all about turning the everyday into something extraordinary. “We talk about how we make the ordinary extraordinary,” Scott says. “We give young people time during the workshops to stop and look – really look – at the bark of a tree, or patterns in nature, and think about how they might capture that digitally.”

It’s not just about artmaking, it’s about building skills, too. “There’s a whole gamut of deliverables,” he says. “Technical skills, teamwork, collaboration, event readiness, and workplace awareness. We embed young people into real creative environments like festivals – this time, The Station launch.”

The performances are immersive, audience-friendly and non-linear. “There’s not a start and an end – just a shifting kaleidoscope of colour and light,” he says. “We don’t hide the gear or the artists. We want people to see the work, the process, and the creativity of these young participants.”

Scott credits Eastern Riverina Arts for kickstarting his arts journey. “They were very formative for me as a student and a young artist in Wagga,” he says. “They provided space, access, support and development pathways. It’s amazing to now be back here and see that support continue.”

Returning to Wagga is more than just a visit – it’s a full-circle moment. “Wagga really makes its mark on you,” he reflects. “The landscape, the seasons, the river… It’s a fascinating place to be a creative. That mix of city energy and rural stillness – that’s powerful.”

Want to experience it for yourself? Catch Bioluminescence and more at The Station launch weekend, May 16–18. www.easternriverinaarts.org.au/events/station-launch

And if you’re a person aged 13-24, you can be part of Bioluminescence and learn hands-on skills. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/bioluminescence-the-station-wagga-wagga