Padraig
condron
Q: How would you describe your artistic style in 5 words?
A: Autoethnographic, Queer, Altruistic, Subversive, Performative
Q: Which topics does your art revolve around?
A: I most often focus on the restrictions on our bodies, specifically queer bodies. How the body is told it should perform or present itself. I'm usually attempting to subvert or parody the structures that create those restrictions.
Q: Where do you draw your inspirations from?
A: Club kid culture is a really important reference for me. It allowed a group of people to not only reject the expectations of their gender, but of their human bodies. They refused any social convention of how to dress, which is a really simple but powerful statement. It's mostly driven by personal experience, I consider the times when my fundamental beliefs have formed or changed and I see where that might be reflected in the world around me. I'm looking for things that encouraged or resisted those changes. Fashion, music, porn and TV adverts etc. The representation and diversity, and lack thereof is inspiring.
Q: Are there any other upcoming artists you're loving right now?
A: There's a fashion label called Art School London which has launched fairly recently and their runways are always populated by the most intersectional models, the clothes they're wearing are equally eclectic.
Q: Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
A: I really enjoy collaborating, especially with people outside of the art world or, like in this project, in the places where art and other more commercial media overlaps. Lately I've appreciated getting involved with fashion and modelling.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
A: I would really love to be involved in running a small gallery or exhibition space. 2 years is probably a little ambitious for that but a boy can dream!
Q: What do you class as success in the art world and life in general?
A: In the art world, I think a successful exhibition understands it's intended audience and is able to connect to them; while remaining aware of it's wider social context. Maybe this can be translated into life in general! I hope I can remain aware of my context as I attempt to "succeed"
Q: How would you encourage those who aren't necessarily comfortable coming out of their comfort zone to do so?
A: It takes practice. I spent a long time living firmly within a comfort zone until I realised it was more a performance than who I authentically was. That performance can be altered and used to test the limits of what you find comfortable. Allow yourself to become someone else, because who you are now is just as constructed.
Q: As a young creative, what motivates you to keep going?
A: REPRESENTATION
I never saw myself represented in any media I consumed growing up. I am propelled to produce propaganda for people like me, whatever that means.
Q: What advice would you give people trying to make it in the creative world?
A:I would advise people to be very critical; of their peers, of themselves, and of the criticism they receive. And this isn't meant negatively, criticism should be generous, it shows consideration and is vital for growth. However, always question where that criticism comes from and how much you should or shouldn't take it on board, realising that you disagree with a suggestion is just as valuable.
