I’m wearing glasses because I want to be cosier, by Josh Vyrtz, 2020
Artist Statement:
In a fictitious interview, watch as an eye specialist lists his reasons for wearing sunglasses and primarily, his desire to bring about a feeling of cosiness from the separation they afford. Here, cosiness is proposed as a methodology, a means by which people might add to their experience of comfort and ultimately feel better.
Artist Biography:
Josh Vyrtz (b.1992) is an artist based in London and Stoke-on-Trent, working across performance, film, writing and image-making. He uses the archetype of the performer to engage with social issues. The bulk of his time is spent collecting research. When creating a new project he approaches the work from two sides – one that is journalistic and, simultaneously, one that is deeply personal and autobiographical.
He has devised two shows that have completed runs at the Edinburgh Fringe festival, exhibited both nationally and internationally, taught developmental workshops at Focal Point Gallery (2018), and been shortlisted for both the Kaitak Centre residency (2018) and the Red Mansion Art Prize (2017).
Educated at University College London, Master of Arts (M.A.), Fine Art Media -The Slade – 2016-2018, and at Goldsmiths, University of London Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Fine Art Media, 2012-2015.