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Video: Godwin Bradbeer: Studio discussion concerning issues of ethics and representation

Godwin Bradbeer: Studio discussion concerning issues of ethics and representation

Yarraville - December 2012.

Godwin Bradbeer began his career as an artist exhibiting photographs, with his friend Warren Brenninger, at ‘Icarus’ Gallery in Carlton and later at Rennie Ellis’ ‘Brummels’ Gallery in South Yarra. Their images captured the raw beauty and sexualised disaffection of 1960s youth.

However by the early 70s Bradbeer ran into complex ethical issues regarding representation and proprietorship. His votive images of andogenous youth proved problematic on a number of levels and in response Godwin exchanged his voyeuristic camera for what appeared to be a classical drawing practice. Within drawing 'self and other' become interchangeable and Bradbeer found the freedom to wound and damage his votive offerings to the gods without incurring social wrath that comes of voodoo.

In this interview, Godwin unpicks the veiled layers of his exquisite draughtsmanship and reveals the ambiguous relationship between 'self and other' that haunts what would otherwise seem a triumphantly classical practice. The techniques of self-abuse and cutting that eviscerate Bradbeer’s drawings affect an uncanny association to the work of Francis Bacon. However unlike the work of Britain’s sacred monster, Bradbeer’s work has not always been championed by his own culture. Rather Godwin's magnificent obsession bears evidence of disregard and disabuse.

Godwin Bradbeer is interviewed for Artinfo by Dr.Gary Willis.

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