Introducing: Artist Dame Dismember

Sydney artist Dame Dismember might make you a little uncomfortable, like a visit to the dentist can stir up nerves, cold sweats or blog addiction.

I first saw her paste-ups in Newtown a few months ago. They're photocopies of collages showing sliced and fragmented human faces re-imagined with playful enthusiasm for the grotesque.

These collages make me uncomfortable for two reasons. First, they show how fragile we are, how external appearances are so easily changed with a blade. The second is that, for all the disfigurement, these faces look good. Even alive.

I was curious about the artist behind the faces, so I got in contact with Dame Dismember. Below is her response, followed by some of her work. Photo credit for the top image goes to Awol Monk.

Dame Dismember: I've always loved assemblage / collage art. I found drawing & painting kinda boring. My mum told me that when I was a child I'd quickly get bored with colouring in.

I've had an obsession with images as early as I can remember. I can't really pinpoint how my style developed. I never set out to make dark disturbing images. 

They just came out that way. I'm sure you have a similar experience when it came to developing your style too.

I think Frances Bacon is my biggest influence. A collagist influenced by a painter. The intuitive representation of the human form / condition.

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■ Street art magazine Get Up or Get Out

Street art magazine Get Up or Get Out

A new street art magazine has hit the streets in several Australian cities - and you're about to get a copy.  

Get Up or Get Out was printed late last month and features articles from Houl, Vars, Bafcat, Dame Dismember and Will Coles. There are also interviews with Fukt and Bunkwaa, plenty of photos from Baddogwhiskas, and cover art (pictured) by SMC(3).

The project was run by Melinda Vassallo, author of Street Art of Sydney's Inner West,  and street artist Chris Tamm (aka Konsumterra). I was also the editor.

It's great to see a mixture of artists - all connected in some way - come together to create something unique. It's a celebration of the energy and talent within Australia's art scene.

Get Up or Get Out is free and available at shops and galleries in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide.

Or download a copy right here.