The archival silences surrounding working-class lives and histories inspire my creative non-fiction practice, which combines memoir and art criticism. I draw on my experiences of class, gender and sexuality, often juxtaposing shame with humour and moments of levity. I like to probe whose voices are granted authority across disparate fields – from art criticism to ufology – and the structures that determine whose voices are valued.
Arts writing
From tattoo culture to retro photobooths, I’ve covered arts and culture for ArtReview, Art UK, Plaster, The Skinny and others. I’ve interviewed a range of stellar artists, including punk icon Linder Sterling, Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur and composer Hanna Tuulikki.
Recent work includes:
Mothership, Extra Teeth (issue 11) [creative non-fiction essay about my lifelong obsession with my mother’s UFO sighting]
Essay to accompany Aqsa Arif’s exhibition, Beneath the Ivory is Molten Brown. Commissioned by Street Level Photoworks