“Collage art is about experimenting with traditional mediums and images, reimagining them through a queer lens to discover new perspectives.”

— Simon Welsh, 2024

1) LOCATION?

Sydney 🇦🇺

2) YEARS COLLAGING?

About 6 years.

3) WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND DISLIKE ABOUT COLLAGE?

Collage is easy to start harder to stop – low cost, less mess & mass appeal – it’s quite addictive – it’s just fun.

4) BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

The Renaissance Masters – The Dutch Masters, Religions iconography, Queer erotica, Anatomy, Clowns, Drag and Fashion. Mix it all together – voilà!

5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, PROS & CONS?

Analogue all the way. I work on computers all day – I love to disconnect. I love old paper. Old ink, slowly dissecting works. Analogue allows you to see and feel whole new narratives I just don’t think you can get with Digital.

6) THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?

- Put the hours in – your work will grow and excel with the time you put in.

- Don’t look at other people’s work too much. They already do it well – you won’t beat them – explore your styles – nourish them.

- Grab whatever you can to collage – you need more than 1 source to make good work. And for the love of god – collage is not vision boarding!!!!

7) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?

Gym, reading, tennis and music – does wine count??

8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE HEADING?

Right now I’m trying so many new styles – and enjoying all of them – so I hope to take these developments into the future. I would love to teach more. Collaborate more and get collage into more spaces. More mixed media – more experimental work.

9) WHICH THREE ARTISTS SHOULD WE CHECK OUT RIGHT NOW?

- Johanna Goodman – I never tire of her work and creativity.

- Wangechi Mutu – We will be studying her work in 100 years time.

- Charles Wilkin - His work is just cool! He was one of the first artists I noticed.

10) WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?

I listen to a lot. But if we are talking about right now – Allie X, Kim Petras, Chappell Roan.

11) UP AND COMING EXHIBITIONS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

I am a full-time Librarian. I am always running workshops at my local library, will also be running a workshop at ARLIS/ANZ Conference, *Being Seen* is for Art Librarians + Information Professionals. Growing with the SCS crew too! I think it’s also time for a solo show!

See more 👀

Gram: @swelshcollage
Web: SCS Profile