Michael Kirwan

Dylan Jones interviews the queer art world’s most unorthodox cult figure.

 


Michael Kirwan’s artwork is sexy, provocative and vaguely disturbing. No bright white smiles or vases of flowers here. It’s all about dirty bare mattresses, torn vests and throbbing penises. Which let’s face it, is much closer to real life anyway (I’ve certainly woken up on a bare mattress or two. And on a throbbing penis or two, actually).

There’s something primal about it all. The artwork’s languorous, slurry subjects are simultaneously ominous and charming. Something makes you want to get under their skin and see what they’re all about. So we did.

Hi Michael. We love your artwork. How and when did you start doing it?

I’ve been drawing since childhood but started the homoerotic images for public consumption in 1982-83.

A lot of them are very sexy! Are they based on sexual encounters of your own?

Many are. However, early on I decided to portray scenes that other folks would find exciting. I’ve seen artists who devote all of their efforts to showcasing their own private experiences and fantasies, and after a while that becomes boring. I’m much more interested in covering as many different scenarios as possible.

I’ve noticed there are a lot of differences between your subjects…generational gaps, different body types etc. Is there a reason for that?

I like being able to depict inter-generational, multi-ethnic and just “regular” guys in sexual situations as a counterbalance to the beautiful buff boys (like those of the great Tom of Finland) so everybody knows that they’re welcome in the queer pantheon. I strive for an all-encompassing representation of…not  “gay” males, but guys of any persuasion who find themselves with enough privacy and horniness to do something with someone else’s cock. The first-timers and secret players are always more interesting to me than the acknowledged homos. They still have enough psychological qualms to create dramatic tension in a drawing.

What are you trying to achieve with your art?

What I’d really like is for straight boys to look at some of my artwork and say to themselves, “that’s not nearly so foreign or frightening as I’ve been led to believe. I can imagine being in that situation. I might try it.” That’s sort of my over-all dream for my legacy. I don’t want every man to be gay, but a few experiences throughout life could, over time, reduce the irrational hatred in society. Also I’d like to be paid! Hahaha! Please encourage your flock to find and purchase my book, “Just So Horny”.

What would be the best room in the house to hang a Michael Kirwan?

Well, the worst are the bathroom (moisture), and kitchen (heat, grease). I actually prefer hallways. You pass through and it’s just part of life. But hanging artwork like mine should be a natural choice for queers. It’s about who we truly are. It’s a visceral representation of our basic selves. And if guests object, they are insulting who you essentially are…it would be a good way to expose and expunge them from your life.

Which of your pieces are you most proud of?

I don’t know…I guess some of the more elaborate crowd scenes. Doing multi-figure work is challenging so when it comes out well it’s a very satisfying feeling. But there’s a lot of small drawings I like…terrible question. Hahaha!

What do you think of the queer art scene at the moment?

Not much. With the demise of the homo-skin magazines there’s no longer a national showcase for artists to display their vision. Gay bookstores and other venues where our artwork could be displayed have vanished. With the assimilation of gay/straight culture our tribe is hesitant to offer images of giant, dripping dicks…I don’t know. People can get everything imaginable showing sex between men on the internet so there’s little call for actual art that delves into that territory. I’m not optimistic…

• Michael Kirwan’s book of his works, Just So Horny, is out now.
• Original artwork is available to purchase at kirwanarts.com.

Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here