Alanna Baxter

Within my work I aim to explore notions of rebirth and queer femme identity, utilising text and humour. In the digital age, I am surrounded by constant sources of stimuli, which are transient in nature, ensuring I am constantly undergoing reiterations of who I am, and what I believe and am surrounded with. I view rebirth as a multifaceted concept, referring to the differing identities that one can present depending on contextual factors.

My artistic process includes juxtaposing the emotional with the comedic to suggest the reality of human life and emotional vulnerability. Intersectionality, and notions of toxic masculinity and the discourse surrounding this, are relevant as it is reflective of the cultural zeitgeist in which I am creating, as we as a society explore why we are historically unable to express ourselves without consequence. Social influence serves as a form of currency in the internet age, and unpacking power structures and the commodification of digital identity is of strong fascination. I consider within my work, ideas of authenticity, exploring social media and ideas of representation, tapping into Jean Baudrillard’s theories of simulacra and representation. I further this concept, using the media to understand my perception of self, and play with the subtlety and emotional weight of language.

My outcomes explore stimulation overload and human-like forms, often entangling and intertwining these forms, suggestive of the overlapping nature of thinking processes and my brain’s incapability to compartmentalise. I aim to juxtapose traditional forms of presentation with what is seen as ‘low’ art, relegated to the lower sections of society due to its shabby presentation or mundane use. My reading can include a diverse range of texts, from academic studies on the effectiveness of art therapy, artist biographies and writings and analysis of the rise of incel culture, to ‘shitposting’ online and news articles on celebrity culture. Institutional critique and the dissecting of Western power politics is inherent to my practice, as I aim to examine my own privilege and societal position. Personally, my process provides a feeling of catharsis, as I create seeking to form questions about my own identity and not necessarily find and project an explicit answer on to my audience.

I draw inspiration from a range of sources, including artists and writers such as Thao Phan, Amia Srinivasan, Sohaila Abdulali, Jeanette Winterson, JD Reforma, Jason Phu, Marianela Castro and Patty Chang.

I acknowledge, pay respect, and pay the rent to the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands on which I live and work: the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations. Sovereignty was never ceded and colonial violence continues across so-called Australia to this day.