Dougal Gorman On ‘It’s Broke, Don’t Fix It’
On October 15th, we are hosting something of a shindig downstairs in the Monster Children Gallery, 7a Danks Street, Waterloo NSW.
‘It’s Broke, Don’t Fix It’, is a group art show featuring works by some of Australia’s best - Luciana Smith, Anoushka Mondraty, Sammy Jo, Brodie Cullen, Dougal Gorman, Mia Kidis, Sam Stephenson - and curated by our best bud, Dougal Gorman. A wise Rachel Brown once said, ‘the best thing that you can do with your time on this earth is to make connections with people and show up for people and stuff, now shut up I have to go play this Water From Your Eyes Show,’ or something like that, and there is no better way to do that than to connect with your arts community through a shared observation of independent creators’ output. It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing, showing out for the community - and especially when the art being observed is actually good and not no uptown high brow slop. You’ll find no pretentious nepo baby Pollock rip offs here - nay, you shall only find the strange and beautiful makings of Australia’s young creators.
Their fearless leader and one of our favorite photographers, Dougal Gorman, is curating the whole damn thing and so in preparation and to inspire you to join, we asked him seven tough questions about the show, at least three of which are actually about art. See you at our place, October 15th, 6pm.
What brought you to want to do something like this show? By that I mean an in-person activation type of thing?
I've always liked group shows that feature a variety of practices that compliment each other, rather than a solo show. I figure it's been a while since MC has done a group show and wanted to celebrate a variety of Australian artists in one space!
How'd you choose these folks to feature? What'd you look for in an artist?
Thanks to the dark vortex that is social media, there's an overwhelming amount of good (and not so good) artists out there - making it quite hard to stand out amongst the crowd. Anywho, I'm getting off track - basically to me, these artists stand out amongst the crowd! They all have 'something about them' and their art has 'feeling' - if you will. There's also something nostalgic and gritty about each artist's work, it's not overly polished, which I like.
How long have you been growing your mustache and do you have any tips for the kids at home?
Way too long man...I don't think I've shaved it off since like highschool? People say the more you shave it the quicker/better it'll grow back but I don't buy that, commit to what you've got kids! A light trim here and there will do the trick, treat it like a bonsai tree.
What is broke and why shouldn't I fix it?
There are a lot of things in the world that need fixing at the moment, but as far as art goes...some things are better left un-fixed. Move on or make do with what you have. Or break it more.
When did you begin making art and why do you think you're continually compelled to do so?
I've been making art and doodling cartoons since I was a kid, but photography has developed into 'my thing' over the last 10 years or so. It makes and helps me look at the world differently and with more intention. Any form of art opens up a weird little door in the back of your brain that only you have the key to! I couldn't imagine a world without unlocking that door.
Where is the best place to eat in Austin, Texas and how does it compare to the fare in Sydney?
Last year some Texan mates took me to a chicken spot called 'Tumble 22' - it was insanely good. Any spice level choice above 'low' will blow your head off. Australia right now is going through a sandwich resurgence which I'm not mad about! I am mad about Tik Tokkers blowing up the spots though.
If there was one thing you could whisper to the people coming to see the show before they came and saw it, what would it be?
'I double dog dare you to buy something'
