Alongside a packed programme of theatre and music at the Powerhouse, Dylan will make his mark through art with free rein to stake claim on the building. Multiple surfaces of the venue will be morphed to create a slow-growing, evolving, high-impact exhibition.
Dylan's previous artworks have been influenced and inspired by ancient storytelling, queer culture, social commentary, and a desire to amplify the voices of his communities.
He works across painting, printmaking, digital illustration and drawing, with his rich cultural upbringing used as a tool to translate knowledge and stories into art.
We chat with MELT artist-in-residence Dylan Mooney, to learn more about his style and what he'll present.
Tell us a bit about your art style and what you aim to communicate through it.
My work is influenced by history, culture and family, and responds to community stories, current affairs and social media. I use drawings and digital portraits to translate the knowledge and stories passed down to me through my art.
When did art and being creative in this way begin to impact your life?
I started in high school and really loved art and my mum put me into art lessons outside of school where I was taught portraiture. So that’s where my love for portraits come from. I then enrolled into university at the Queensland College of Art – studying a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art. It was from there that I was able to take my art further and really think about themes/concepts that I want to focus on. Which led me to more opportunities in the art industries and working with other mob and now I am represented by N.Smith Gallery based on Gadigal Land in Sydney.
What advice do you have for a budding artist not sure where to begin or how to start on their artistic journey?
Go to museums and galleries. See what inspires you and makes you want to create. Try everything and see what works and what doesn’t. Talk to other artists and become part of the community. But most of all – be authentic.
Why do you think it’s such an effective way to communicate a point or an idea?
Art breaks down barriers. It’s accessible to everyone and you don’t need a degree or to be an artist to appreciate it.
What made you want to be involved in MELT?
The Brisbane Powerhouse and MELT Festival are such powerful platforms. I can’t wait for my work to be shown to such a diverse audience. The work I’m presenting is going to be a powerful representation of the community, showcasing the stories of various people and where they come from.
What sorts of things will you be presenting throughout?
I’ll be presenting a body of new portraits, and some older works audiences in Brisbane will have only seen online.
What are you most looking forward to about MELT’s attendees seeing your work?
I’m looking forward to people seeing people like me represented. My work is about telling our story of resilience, thriving, survival, how far we've come as a people, what we've achieved. . . And where we'll be in the future, and I can’t wait to share that with audiences.
Dylan Mooney's art will be present throughout MELT Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse, from 16-27 November.
