This is Patricia P. She uses silicon and hair to make nipples for noses and hands for feet for her non-human hybrids that we call ART. This babe repped Aus at the Venice Biennale in 2003 (omfg) and is considered to be one of the most significant artists of our time. She has shown in Japan, Korea, USA, UK, Spain and Brazil where her exhibition attracted 1.4 million visitors and became the most visited contemporary art show in the mthrfcken world. She is currently exhibiting at the Tarrawarra Museum of Art and you need to go.
Why are you such a creep?
I don’t intend to creep people out. I think what I make is adorable. I’m deeply in love with them.
Whaaaa..? I’m freaked to the max, bae, I literally cannot.
That is the last thing I want. I don’t want people to think my art is abhorrent. I think my work is dream-like while quite surreal. But ok I suppose it does have a little bit of grotesqueness.
Where do you get the ideas for your ‘adorable’ art?
Nature. For example bonobos because they’re different from chimps and live in a matriarchy, so the females have a strong role. There is a lot of sexual contact with them. I think they’re fascinating.
You give me the Pan’s Labyrinth vibe. But kewler.
I like Guillermo Del Toro, his work is beautiful and not the usual straight horror movie. So, thank you.
What’s the one that has had the most reactions?
The hot-air balloon Skywhale because it’s so public. Different people relate to different pieces for example people over fifty react to the ageing pieces that show how bodies change.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist.
Nailed it. Fave books so I know not what to give my kids?
I’m really deeply inspired by Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. It’s a book that is incredibly important to me, it depicts a paternal relationship and what can happen when we don’t look after what we create. Her empathy and way of relating informs my work.
What grosses you out?
When people are uncaring – it really makes me upset.
Has anyone asked you to use them as a muse?
No. But I do work with different people who I reference. I won’t name names…