Tay Haggarty
What sparked the idea for the work you are exhibiting at SWELL this year?
This artwork reflects on what it means to be a young queer person in today’s ever changing world. It operates as a spot to rest, reflect and connect.
The carabiner is a longstanding wearable symbol within the queer community. Pre-internet, this utilitarian item was often seen holding a set of keys and placed strategically on a person’s belt or bag, as a signifier of queerness and desire to connect. The work aims to embody this historic intention and act as a catalyst for positive connections.
What’s something people might not realise about the process behind your work?
Carabiner Bench (Nature found no fault with me) was co-designed by Burrinja’s Queer Art Collective (QAC) and Lead Artist Tay Haggarty.
The artwork is the result of a 6-month long creative design and development process led by Tay Haggarty. This process included photo walks, beading workshops and a trip to the Australian Queer Archives.
What role does location or environment play in your sculptures?
The carabiner bench (nature found no fault with me) is a sculptural bench which is often placed out in natural settings.
Placing the work outside is integral for its connection to queer ecology and the idea that everyone deserves to be comfortable in public spaces.
Is there a moment or memory that shaped you as an artist?
Winning the Jeremy Hynes award in 2021 is a huge momentous moment within my art practice. I was able to give homage to the late experimental risk taking artist and blur the lines between sculpture and performance through slow dancing and rock climbing choreography.
What keeps you coming back to sculpture as a form of expression?
There is something so bodily about sculpture. I think we can learn a lot from more minimal and ambiguous 3D forms. They can teach us how to open up, have empathy front of mind and remind us to break the rules.
If you could install your work anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could choose to exhibit anywhere in the world, it would be in the country side of northern Ireland! The rolling green hills would hold a large scale minimal sculpture so well. To reference my heritage and queer Irish folklore would be a dream location.
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 12th – 21st September.