Australian photographer George Byrne looks to the future with his first show in India, at Akara gallery, Mumbai. He talks about his journey, looking forward to being able to give back, in an interview with Sonalee Tomar for the Asian Curator.
“I was able to laser in and develop a very clear and concise voice, prior to that I was spreading myself too thin.”
George Byrne
How did your tryst with the camera begin?
My first serious experience with a camera came about when I was sixteen. I borrowed my sisters Canon AE1 35mm film camera and took it for a spin around the neighbourhood taking pictures of a whole bunch of random stuff. I was more interested in painting and drawing at the time. But, I remember thinking that if I could work out how to use this thing properly, I could save myself a lot of time and money on oil paints and brushes. As my interest in the medium progressed, I did what most people who are keen on photography do, I just documented my life.
In took a few years of playing around and experimenting with other cameras before I began to feel like it could be a longer-term thing for me. I felt like I was able to see interesting things and communicate them clearly in a way that was unique and seemed to be interesting to other people. It started from there.
What is the primary role of an artist? How do you describe yourself in the context of challenging people’s perspectives via your work and photography?
I guess the primary role of an artist is to try to be as disciplined and as thick-skinned as possible. To make the most of the talent and time they have. I read a good quote on how art itself functions in society by my gallerist Sydney Tim Olsen, yesterday.
“The big result from engaging with and loving art is that, in time, we learn to understand ourselves better, and experiencing the evolution and maturing of our own minds.”
– Sydney Tim Olsen
How do you deal with the conceptual difficulty and uncertainty of creating new work?
It can be very hard. I feel at times that I’m really going in circles and bashing my head against the wall. But if one stays long enough in that discomfort and keeps at it, usually find some new direction and inspiration. Once I moved to LA in 2010 and had my creative epiphany with that landscape my job as an artist become infinity easier. I was able to laser in and develop a very clear and concise voice, prior to that I was spreading myself too thin.
Tell us about your studio, what kind of place is it? Could you describe your usual workday in the studio?
My studio is a nice big bright space. It is inside an arts complex called Wilhardt & Naud in Chinatown LA. I like to get in there at about 9/930 every day and knock off at 530/6. Every day without fail that is what I do – unless I’m out taking pictures.
What other jobs did you have before you were a full-time artist?
Pizza delivery driver, pizza maker, construction worker (15 years on and off), bakers assistant, barman, dishwasher, barista, waiter, furniture sales, photography assistant, headshot photographer, hired musician and many other odd jobs.
What are you looking for while (re)viewing photography? Which shows, performances and experiences have shaped your own creative process? Who are your maestros?
I look to the masters a lot for inspiration. There are 3 shows off the top of my head that blew my mind: Wim Wenders, MCA Sydney, David Hockney, MOMA and William Eggleston, Gagosian Beverly Hills.
When looking at other people’s work I’m just looking for flow and essence.
You have spent a lot of time amongst artists in flow. Tell us your observations.
Wow this is a unique question. I guess when an artist is in flow, he/she is flying. They feel like a clean, clear conduit. And they’re struggling to manage all the ideas and jobs piling up in front of them. It takes a lot of focus and discipline to make the most if it.
What was your first sale? Do you handle the commercials yourself or is it outsourced?
My first ever sales came about from my first ever solo show at a gallery. The show was called India: New Perspectives. Looking back, I was a pretty precocious twenty year old kid. I decided to just travel to India, take a bunch of photos and come back and have a show! And it worked.
What are you working on now? What’s coming next season?
I’m having a pop-up show in November in LA to celebrate the release of the Post Truth book. Beyond that I’m planning on sitting down and coming up with some new work for an exhibition I have booked in Sydney for 2021.
What were you working on when the lockdown was announced?
I was very very lucky to have planned to be making my book during 2020, so workwise I really didn’t miss a beat, I just kept at it. I was concerned that the pandemic may disrupt or delay things, but we have managed to get it done in time.
How has this affected your practice and plans?
Well for one I’m sadly unable to come over to India for the opening of my first ever exhibition in India at Akara gallery in Mumbai! But aside from that I think it’s just forced me to slow down a bit and think outside the box. There has also been some very serious social upheaval going on in America so that’s been both enlightening and challenging at times too. It’s been a big, tough year and I’m more aware than ever of just how privileged I am to be able to do what I do. I’m looking forward to being able to give back.
Before you go – you might like to browse our Artist Interviews. Interviews of artists and outliers on how to be an artist. Contemporary artists on the source of their creative inspiration.
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