At 25 years of age, Aaron James McGarry certainly seems like a man who knows where he’s going. Not only is he a talented visual artist, he’s also asking important questions.
He managed to nurture and develop his artistic side while growing up in Broken Hill – in 2001 he was even awarded the Australia Day Young Citizen Award for the region. These days he’s living in Sydney and his exhibition Pop Porn is currently hanging on the walls of the front bar at The Clarence Hotel in Petersham. It’s his first solo visual art show, choosing themes close to home and putting the work into a environment closer to where they resonate.
Tell us about your inspiration for Pop Porn.
It’s where Andy meets Tom and has a Warhol Finland Fantasy! I’ve grown up in a time where more then ever before your appearance is a top priority on a lot of people’s lists. As gay men all of our advertising from community events to party nights involves sex, sexuality and in turn pornography. I’m not saying this is a bad thing because I was also inspired a lot by my subjects’ beauty… but porn stars package an unrealistic look for a lot of people, because we all don’t fit the same mold.
Why did you choose Outbar at the Clarence Hotel as the place to exhibit?
I wanted to make this exhibition a site specific piece, taking the audience to a location that allows the work to be viewed in context with where it sits, somewhere between art and pornography. What better place for it than a gay bar?
It came about that The Clarence (Outbar) re-opened in Petersham and that incorporated with Manacle is where I’ve had some of my most deviant experiences to date so when they agreed I was thrilled!
What is it that you’re trying to say with Pop Porn?
I’m saying make up your own mind and start the discussion. I present the Adonis… but it has a repetitious nature. It’s in your face work… but maybe its something you like in your face!
Are we over saturated? Over-stimulated? Or over-zealous? Or is it just beautiful bedroom art akin to the ancient Greek pots of men putting their dicks in bums at wine time in the vineyard? I ask you the viewer – what am I trying to say with Pop Porn?
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