The National Art School acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the traditional owners on whose lands, water and skies we meet and share.

Endo

NFS

found glass and dirt encased in resin

25 x 25 cm 

Bede Whelan

Bede Whelan

@bedebecreating

Through my practice, I hope to explore underappreciated and underground aspects of society, exploring my relationship with the world around me, and bringing awareness to the often forgotten underbellies of our modern cities.

I have often felt like an outsider, struggling to find direction and connection in the world. The essence of art to me is introspection, and I believe that art is something that can change the consciousness of people. Through conscious art, I plan to represent my thoughts and experiences through my own language of creation, thereby creating a world which I can understand and present. Only once you become aware of your reality and the inhibitions you face, are you able to overcome these problems and have a happy and productive life. As Abiodun Oyewole puts it, ‘When you create from the anger, you begin to heal yourself’.

Art has helped me more than anything else, but I find a lot of the art world clashes with my moral beliefs. How can I have a functioning art practice while remaining authentic? I would love to have a career as an artist, but I don’t want to submit.

View the work: Building 16, Building 27, Rayner Hoff Project Space