DECLARE: Brian Driscoll
What does it mean to be contemporary? We asked all eleven of the artists in the show to give us their thoughts, collected in our DECLARE blog series.
Brian's work examines the changing face of masculinity in today’s society. He explores issues of vulnerability, as the idea of men being vulnerable and having feelings goes against what he and many people growing up in conservative homes are taught. He examines issues that are rarely discussed, especially not from the male perspective. His work serves as a memorial to emotions long buried and often not allowed to be felt. The work is not intended to be a call-to-arms for the viewer, but more a reassurance to those struggling that their feelings are valid and they are not alone. When asked what contemporary meant to him, he responded:
"Contemporary isn't a concept I would define by a set period of time, rather a reaction to an event that defines the current era to an individual or group. I think many would think of a new contemporary era beginning with the 2016 election. The contemporary era in my life began the day my father died, as that was an event that changed my entire existence and everything that has came after has been, at least in part, a reaction to that event."
