Interview:
WARWICK GOW
Art
No Order Magazine talks with the multi-disciplinary artist.
Warwick Gow is a Sunshine Coast based photographer who uses the portrait to place local fringe culture within arm’s length of the mainstream. Exploring notions of identity and self by hijacking the thin veil of commercialism and elegantly smashing it against diy ethics, Gow’s crusty and colourful work uses portraits, zines, and installation art to destabilize the notions of representation.
Introduce yourself and tell us how did your career began?
I’m a self taught photographer who uses portraiture to explore identity and hopefully introduce some level of empathy to the viewer. Growing up in a regional area with a strong culture based around the surf, skate and punk scenes has brought a DIY ethic into my work. I fell into photography like most people, but really spent the time to delve into different sub-cultures of art and political engagement. My first clients were in the surf and outdoor industry, but over the last few years I’ve focused more on personally relevant work and slowly opening up to show more vulnerability.
What does 'art' mean to you and is your work personal?
My art is an artefact of current culture and a way for us to express and challenge the sentiments of what we are taking in as humans. As much as I’ve tried to walk away from it over the years I get sucked back in just as quick. My work is really personal to me. When I’m uplifting and focusing on different views and identities, I feel I hold a great deal of trust and responsibility. My self portraiture comes from not seeing my physical self represented in art while also providing space to explore and challenge my own sense of self.
Peach Kreamer, 2021
Untitled Self Portrait, 2021
What is something you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
Always have an agreement or contract and always make time for personal work, although, I still don’t always follow either of these.
What advice do you have for emerging artists?
Don’t rush anything. Don’t feel like you have to give everything. Feel free to keep things for yourself. Take risks. Find people who will give you open and honest feedback.
Read the full interview in Issue 02
Published: 4th November 2022