Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.
Bio: Brian Kenny, 38, Brooklyn (@briankennny)
Title of work: Collectively (2021).
Where to see it: TW Fine Art (514 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn) as part of my current solo exhibition “I’MMATERIAL” until August 7.
Three words to describe it: Composite, tactile, upcycled.
What was on your mind at the time: The artwork itself doesn’t concern a particular narrative as it’s all improvised using scraps of fabric, often leftovers from other textile artworks, so it’s construction is more meditative. However, when I was making this, I was listening to a fascinating audiobook that was certainly apropos: “The Body” by Bill Bryson.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: There’s a lot of personal items and totems stitched into the banner; underwear waistbands from my handsome boyfriend, numbers from my sports jerseys collection, and my ultimate favorite totem, teeth.
How it reflects your practice as a whole: My art practice is a lot like Jazz. It’s virtually all improvised from start to finish. I like to figure things out as I go along, and follow my instincts and interests in the moment. I also prefer to make art with found objects, on printed matter and upcycled materials. These things often already have imbued stories and energies in them that I can play off of, change or build upon.
One song that captures its essence: “You” by MATMOS.
