School of Art & Design
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is now 100K alumni strong. We spoke with some of our alumni who are making the world a better place. Here are their stories.
Origin story
Kieran's journey began in the small country town of Nowra on NSW’s South Coast. As a queer, non-binary and neurodivergent individual living in a small town, Kieran was left feeling like an artistic misfit searching for a sense of belonging, eager to sink their teeth into an arts education. Throughout the application process for art school, Kieran struggled with the demanding portfolio requirements which relied on exposure to a wide array of art practices. However, Kieran was thrilled to be accepted into UNSW’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program using their ATAR.
Taking that leap to leave home and move to Sydney was a big choice and Kieran knew there was a lot riding on this decision but, after their first day at the UNSW Art & Design campus, they knew they were on the right path. It was the first time they'd been surrounded by people who not only dressed as vibrantly as they did – they cherished art the same way.
School
Degrees
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography (Honours) 2014
Current Title
Artist, Designer, Creative Producer, former Manager of Arc Creative at UNSW Art & Design
Photo of Kieran Butler - Image Provided
Moving to Sydney to pursue studying visual arts at UNSW was make or break for a lot of different parts of who I am today.
An evolving artistic practice
Unlike conventional classrooms, in art school your peers regularly critique, question and watch your practice evolve. Crits, also known as critiques, are an intimidating but necessary part of art school. Kieran recalls a class crit in their third year that became indispensable. "I couldn't get blue-tac off the object I was photographing and I didn't want it there” Kieran explains. "My tutor told me to stop making it look good, just let it go and let it be bad; it is what it is."
“Now if I ever have a moment where I'm getting stuck or lost or frustrated, I think of that moment.”
Kieran is now a visual artist working across photography, graphic design, fashion, and performance. Their practice prioritises sustainability and accessibility to explore queerness, community, identity, and social issues, particularly the climate crisis. Kieran resists the multidisciplinary label; instead, they see their art practice as an evolving open ecosystem with each medium lending itself to another, connected and never singular. “I might photograph something, turn that photograph into a textile print, create clothing, then photograph the clothing in a different setting and make a new print or photograph from that.”
“When I say multidisciplinary, that all disappears.”
Kieran Butler, 80 years from now installation 2022 Photography by Jessica Maurer
Reaching community through art
Kieran’s public artworks embrace the dynamic relationship between art and its surroundings, aiming to resonate with the audience and effect lasting societal shifts. Notably, in 2019, Kieran unveiled “Magic Circles” through the City of Sydney’s Creative Hoardings program, where artworks adorned construction site walls and holdings. Later, the project expanded to eateries and communal spaces during the lockdown in 2021, fostering social connections post-lockdown.
“’Magic Circles’ was a design of concentric circles with affirmations on them, so people, especially queer people, in small ways can be reminded they are seen. I had people reach out on social media over lockdown who had walked past the work and decided to come out to their friends and family.”
“Pedestrians, particularly women and queer people, said the period of installation was the only time they felt safe and empowered to use the tunnel. Usually, they would actively take a longer way home.”
More recently, Kieran contributed to the reVITALise Project for Inner West pedestrian tunnels during World Pride, commissioned by Transport NSW. The project aimed to make tunnels feel safe for people to walk through during World Pride. Kieran created “1000 Kisses”, a pastel neon haven that reflected on “the love we experience as queer people but also the grief we have to endure as a community, and the work that must continue to make change for LGBTQIA+ communities”. The project transformed the tunnels into havens and set a precedent for future public art endeavours under Transport NSW.
Feedback from pedestrians, notably women and members of the queer community, highlighted how the installation period marked a rare instance when they felt secure and empowered within the tunnels, contrary to their usual avoidance of these spaces, opting for longer routes home. This project has proven pivotal, serving as a testament to the transformative power of public art in fostering inclusivity and safety within urban environments.
Industry insights and projections
Reflecting on the creative industry, Kieran confronts the prevalent hurdles that artists encounter in assessing the monetary worth of their craft. Their vision for the future is one where artists receive due recognition and respect through the provision of legal fair work rights, encompassing crucial aspects such as leave entitlements and superannuation. Kieran emphasises the pivotal role of education in bridging the comprehension gap between non-creative sectors and artists, a divide that often leads to artists feeling undervalued and overburdened.
There is value in understanding the intricacies of the artistic process and the substantial labour involved, Kieran advocates for a paradigm shift that fosters enhanced collaboration. This approach aims to cultivate a more equitable and supportive ecosystem for artists, allowing their creative partnerships to flourish within an environment that truly values their contributions.
Advice for students
Kieran acknowledges the struggles of imposter syndrome but advises emerging artists not to let that influence them into just saying yes to any opportunities they are offered.
“Evaluating opportunities based on how it aligns with your artistic priorities and values, can help you navigate the balance between commercialism and authenticity.”
Celebrating 100K Alumni
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture alumni like Kieran.
Learn about the evolution of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and meet the UNSW ADA Alumni who are making the world a better place.