Kieran Hugues Butler
THE SUN
THE FLOWER
THE BUTTERFLY
THE SEED
ARTIST STATEMENT:
A Gift of HERE NOW, is a simple text and graphic artwork that draws on the history of the LGBTQIA+ liberation movements, artistic and club scenes. Utilising the DIY aesthetics and practices of zine and poster making A Gift of HERE NOW pays homage to the early days of Midsumma – 1989/1990’s – and the LGBTQIA+ artists who are my forebears such as David McDiarmid, Brenton Heath Kerr and Leigh Bowery. The design consists of four symbols that are simplified representations of the sun, Melbourne’s many varieties of colourful flora, the coppering butterfly (a species endemic to Melbourne and it’s surrounds), and the eclipse or the seed from when these gifts bloom. Each symbol is a representation of transformation, growth, energy, harmony, hope and balance in their own right. Collectively they represent the thriving ecosystem of LGBTQIA+ community in Melbourne. Drawn as silhouettes, or outlines, the symbols function as windows looking back for us to learn from the past, as well as potholes to view the many potential futures on the horizon for which we may arrive.
A Gift of HERE NOW is a reminder of where we begin, a celebration of where we are standing, and the many horizons we are working toward.
Formally the artwork design focuses on celebrating diversity through accessibility and inclusion. The design is purposefully minimal in its shapes and high contrast in its colour palette, as well as offering a black and white alternative. Taking on board the ethos of zine making this artwork is designed to be striking while being produced via lofi means such as the photocopy machine. The simplicity in its design allows for flexibility in application and arrangement. The elements in the artwork are intended to be useable by audiences for their own zine making purposes and able to be printed off at home while maintaining its visual impact. The artwork and it’s variations offered in this EOI are preliminary and not final artworks.
The colour variation of the artwork is designed using simple, bold and high contrasting colours. The chosen colour combinations are effective for keeping the design accessible for people who experience colour blindness.
Download an artwork of your choice and visit the Pilestone Color Blind Experts colour simulator to see variations of how the design may look for those with colour blindness.
A black and white variation of the artwork is designed to be accessible both visually and economically. This variation ensures the artwork is able to be reproduced via low cost means such as the humble photocopier and home printer. This enables the widest audience possible to be included
Examples of design variations in colour and black and white:
Example of design used as 16:9 format video using archival video from 1997 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. Suitable for Instagram stories, Instagram reels and Tiktok videos.
A Gift of Cherry Guavas and Hibiscus Flowers: Part 1,2025. Incinerator Gallery, Aberfeldie, Maribyrnong City Council VIC, Au. Custom design typeface, poem, mural, interior house paint, spray paint, LED neon, ‘Grunt’ ratchet Straps, Balaclava’s made from repurposed socks, carabiner clips, hand drawn hibiscus flower and cherry guava applique patches. Installation view. Image courtesy of Incinerator Gallery, photography by Gianna Rizzo.
1000 Kisses, 2023. From ReVitalise a part of the Safer Cities Program in collaboration with Cultural Capital, Transport for NSW, and Sydney World Pride Trafalgar Street pedestrian tunnel, Newtown, Sydney, NSW, Au. Poem, text based LED neon lighting and vinyl decal. Public artwork installation view. Photography Courtesy of the Artist.
Real Real Love, AND LET IT
This is but a horizon we are working towards, 2021. Newtown Art Seat, Newtown, NSW, Au. Digitally printed vinyl banner and public bench. Public artwork installation view. Photography courtesy of the Artist.
Magic Circles,2019 - Ongoing. City of Sydney, Regent Street, Redfern, NSW, Au. Digitally printed vinyl banner on construction site hoarding. Public artwork installation view. Photography courtesy of the Artist.