Work
The Tiger, the Canary & the Heartless Heartbeat
About
KevinGaffneY
My work negotiates the representation and manipulation of memory and identity. Video and photography is the outcome of my research and practice, which often begins with a text written by myself. Characters are obscured and disguised by the signs they adopt, rendering them as psychological ciphers for the unconscious. Spaces are used as a stage for interventions, and a labyrinth of signs accumulate into a surreal unravelling atmosphere.
"The films show the inner world of characters in extreme psychic states through the use of very precise technique. They are full of references to popular film cliches and the use of intentionally excessive scenes. They can appeal to the viewer as something already seen while at the same time accompanied by a harrowing uncertainty whether it was in the cinema, a dream, in a past life or somewhere else."Ondrej Chrobak, curator, Startpoint Prize for Emerging Artists 2011.
"Kevin Gaffney's video piece was refreshingly self-indulgent and egocentric [...] an artist who unashamedly explores and celebrates his own complicated vanity. Throughout this relay of imagery, narrative and sound effect, every detail is precisely attended to and consequently engaging. Piano notes chime through the shadowy atmosphere, characters dance and drown in theatrical flickers, effervescent lighting enhances the dramatic effect of every action and scene. The artist has managed to remain loyal to himself and his own embroidered versions of reality throughout. It is this self-assured honesty and authenticity that allow him to touch on broader issues such as sexuality and suicide with effect and sincerity. [It] should appeal to the active but self-effacing exhibitionist in all of us." Review from Circa 205 by Sarah Baume, 2008.