Magnify – get to know Shannon Smith

In 2022, Blacktown Arts dreams to seed a brand new kind of festival unique to Blacktown and western Sydney that showcases the exceptional creative legacy in the area and ongoing commitment to artistic development and rigour.

This year, six artists have embarked on developing new ideas through conversations and research as part of the 2021 Magnify Creative Development program. It is hoped that these creative developments will form the core of the Magnify program in 2022.

Blacktown Arts posed questions to the artists of Magnify about their creative processes. Read Shannon Smith‘s response to our questions below.How has the lockdown impacted your creative process?

By definition, lockdown is restrictive. So it’s had its limitations. But that just forces you to think creatively. So it’s kinda ideal.

What are your thoughts and how do you feel about participating in Magnify as an emerging artist?

Australia has never in my lifetime, seemed so tumultuous. It is the perfect time for a fresh, informed and emphatic voice to be given a platform.

What can people look forward to about your artwork in Magnify?

Confrontation under the guise of aesthetics. Airing Australia’s dirty laundry and calling it art.