Kirthana Selvaraj is exploring her place in the world through her art. Painting herself into the halls of some of the longest standing and most traditional institutions. Her self portrait, The Green Suit, was an Archibald finalist in 2021 and a Portia Geach finalist in 2020. I remember seeing it and there was just something about the expression in her face and the way the suit hung on her that hit me.
Kirthana paints about the experience of being in a queer brown body and trying to find her place in the world, or even just see it.
In today’s episode we talk about the painting of that epic self portrait and her mum’s reaction when she saw what Kirthana was wearing in it; about how her artistic practice is helping her claim her place, and how an approach of lifting each other up, of collaboration over competition, is surely a better way forward.
Kirthana is a deep thinker and such an eloquent communicator. I loved speaking with her and hearing her thoughts, I am sure you will love hearing her story.
You can stay across her work on Instagram at @kirthanasart
Interview With An Artist is hosted and produced by radio host, arts broadcaster and artist mentor Willy (Wilamina) Russo.
Do you want helping figuring out the right next step in your artistic practice? Book a mentoring session with Willy on www.wilaminarusso.com
