An Interview with Brook Andrew on Pushing Boundaries and Reclaiming Identity: A Creative Journey

2 Sep 2024

The Weekend Australian Magazine featured an exclusive interview by Jessica Clement with artist Brook Andrew, who candidly discusses his artistic journey, identity, and the diverse range of influences that have shaped his career.

In the conversation, Andrew reflects on early successes with significant works like White Word I (1993) and Sexy and Dangerous (1996), which became iconic within the Museum of Contemporary Art’s collection. When asked about the impact of such early recognition, he mentions how these milestones came before he had fully developed his voice.”I’ve never focused on ‘success’; I’ve focused on what was important for my expression. At the time, I was a little frustrated with the art world and the kind of pigeon-holing … ‘Oh, are you gay?’ ‘Are you Indigenous?’ the artist states.

A major theme in the interview is Andrew’s exploration of identity and Indigenous language. He shares personal anecdotes, such as how his auntie’s use of the word “dyilawa” (meaning “toilet”) influenced his perspective on how language shapes views on identity. This reflection underpins his ongoing interest in how Indigenous people are perceived and represented in the wider world.

When questioned about his experiences as the Artistic Director of the 2020 Biennale of Sydney, Andrew described the role as one of the best experiences of his career, highlighting the importance of collaboration and his deliberate push against the often Western-focused mainstream art world.

Additionally, Clement’s conversation brought about Andrew’s work across multiple mediums—from video and sculpture to immersive art. “Art has always been about finding the right space and place for my ideas.”Even mentioning vivid dreams of making works in specific mediums, he continues, “It’s about the idea and how to communicate it. Sometimes a drawing might communicate it better.”

Lastly, the interview touched based on Andrew’s unexpected beginnings in marine biology, before becoming an artist.

Image: Profile of Brook Andrew. Courtesy of the artist and The Weekend Australian Magazine