‘Art helps you to engage in a more critical and curious way with the world’
We talk to 33-year-old visual artist Brian Kielt who lives outside Maghera with his fiancée Jan Gorman and their miniature schnauzer Rogue
Q
Tell us about your childhood.
A
I grew up at the foot of the Glenshane outside Maghera, the youngest of three in a really loving home.
One of my biggest memories of primary school is being surrounded by others in the class asking me to draw them something! My sisters were more studious; Sarah studied Law and Helen studied English but both my parents were really supportive of me wanting to pursue a slightly more creative path. So, in secondary school I put the blinkers on and devoted a lot of time to art. When friends were out on the pitches and playing football I was usually putting paint out.
Q
What are you most proud of?
A
I was told by my teacher in secondary school that if you like your own work, you should quit and this has stuck with me to a certain extent.
Having said that, I am probably most proud of my last solo exhibition at the University of Atypical in Belfast. It was a body of work that revolved around the shifting notion of victim and perpetrator. It was also my first time showing a sculptural work — which was a collaboration with my dad.
Seeing it come together in Atypical’s wonderful space gave me a real sense of accomplishment. Sadly the first lockdown happened just a week after the opening but when restrictions were eased in September there was still a chance for people to go and see it.
Q
The one regret you wish you could amend? A
Being open and honest with others before it’s too late. Sometimes really good friendships are lost because you are either not honest with them or you’re not honest with yourself.
Other times a loved one is taken away suddenly and you realise there were so many things left unsaid.
Q
What about phobias. Do you have any?
A
Rats. No question. I’d handle a room full of tarantulas before being stuck in a room with one rat. I don’t know what it is. It might be that they are everywhere and you rarely see them, it’s practically impossible to make anywhere ratproof, they can chew through concrete and can even swim up toilet pipes. I heard somewhere that their enamel is as hard as iron and pound for pound a rat bite is more powerful than a great white shark. I’m sure they’re misunderstood but for me, I’ll keep that book closed thank you very much.
Q The temptation you cannot resist?
A
Chocolate is kryptonite for me and it’s pointless to resist.
Q
Your number one prized possession?
A
I have to say my studio space. Having that special place to go with a coffee in hand to think, read and make is priceless.
Even on days when painting is tough I make a point of getting to the studio, even if it is just to tidy around or organise materials. Having that set studio time is important and it’s good to get a sense of discipline around your practice.
Q
The book that’s most impacted your life?
A
Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is a book that’s hard to shake for me. The first time I read it, there was a hectic spiral of ideas that came to the studio. Most of them haven’t come to fruition yet — probably because I haven’t found a way to realise how I picture them. For such a simple story — the search for the rogue Kurtz up the Congo River — there is so much to unpack. It is jammed full of visual imagery. One line I kept going back to over and over later became a title of a painting — “I forgot there was such a thing as sleep”.
Q
If you had the power or authority, what would you do?
A
Easier access to the arts for all, probably starting in schools. The arts is such an integral pillar in society and it seems to keep being overlooked and undervalued.
The statistics are there for improving mental health and quality of life but one element that I think is vital is critical thinking. Art helps you engage with the world in a more critical and curious way and this can only be a good thing.
Q
What makes your blood boil every time without fail?
A
The notion of ‘fake news’ and the spreading of wild allegations or conspiracy theories on social media.
When there is a sensational headline or an allegation stressed as fact floating around I always try and make a point of looking for the truth of the matter for myself. This is the age of alternative facts and it’s important to verify what we read, see and hear. Sharing something that is alleged can have detrimental consequences for someone else.
Q Who has most influenced you in life?
A
I’d have to say the friends made at university have been the biggest influence.