OLIVIA J. BENNETT


Hello! I’m an arts writer, researcher and critic based in Brisbane, Australia. 

I've reviewed and written about art, film, music, and digital culture in Australian and international publications. I’ve also played a pivotal role in the programming, digital production, and successful delivery of numerous projects within Australia’s film and music industry.

I'm fascinated by how global trends intertwine with personal stories, revealing the impact of cultural issues on our daily lives. In my work, I prefer to experiment with non-linear storytelling, multiple perspectives, and mixed media to capture the intricacy of modern cultural tensions.

I’ve been honoured to participate in Gertrude Contemporary’s Emerging Writers Program and the Melbourne International Film Festival’s Critics Campus.

I'm also a freelance copywriter, content writer, and strategist whose work is driven by principles of complexity and interconnectedness.

With five years of freelancing, three years in agency environments, and two years navigating Melbourne's strictest COVID-19 lockdowns, I've faced real tests of resilience and adaptability in my career. This experience has enriched my ability to develop copywriting, content, and strategy for various sectors, including tech, health, lifestyle, retail, design, construction, hospitality and (of course) the arts.

I completed a Bachelor of Art History and Curating at Monash University, majoring in Film Studies. For my BA Honours thesis in Screen and Cultural Studies at Melbourne University, I argued that the documentary films of Harvard University’s Sensory Ethnography Lab are hyperobjects. Applying Timothy Morton’s concept through poetics, I explored their capacity to provoke a transgressive experience of ecological thought and feeling.

On a personal note, I'm on track to pass the DELF B2 French exam in 2025, and I am currently working on launching new business ventures that will further leverage my expertise and passions.

Souhaitez-moi bonne chance!

VULTURES 1

Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign




Kanye West's eagerly awaited Vultures 1 is as provocative as anticipated. The album's lyrics, reflecting West's headline-making life, showcase more of a triumph in style than substance. Collaborating with Ty Dolla $ign, the production innovatively melds drum beats echoing 808s & Heartbreak with the group choruses of Jesus is King and Graduation. Tracks like ‘STARS,’ ‘TALKING,’ and ‘KEYS TO MY LIFE’ demonstrate West's pursuit of fresh sounds. However, the focus on the opulent and ignorant lifestyles of the elite, particularly in songs like ‘FUK SUMN,’ ‘BACK TO ME,’ and ‘CARNIVAL,’ blends well with this new sonic direction but clashes in tracks like ‘DO IT’ and ‘PAPERWORK.’ The album is a testament to West's signature mix of laid-back style and serious artistry, reflecting his evolution over the years. Its independent production and distribution signal a bold leap for the genre and a turning point for the industry. Yet, the album's message, highlighted in the Chris Brown-featured ‘BEG FORGIVENESS,’ leaves room for a deeper, more meaningful narrative in West's future work.