Kim Gordon on Finding Her Voice as an Artist

Davina Semo I was reading the press release for your upcoming show and began wondering about this idea of presenting oneself as an artist. Is this something you've identified with over time, given that you’re also a well-known musician?

Kim Gordon I kind of try to really not think about having a public persona so much. I don't think people walk around thinking that way. I don't know. My persona, it's not a big public persona, but it's kind of hard to escape nonetheless.

So, I guess, the best thing is just to kind of play with it. There’s also a fine line between wanting to do work that doesn't just function on that level of celebrity a la Warhol, because, although he was a big influence I think that's sort of a trap.

DS How would you describe your studio practice?

KG I'm an erratic worker. I am always trying to make more of a schedule, but it's hard unless I have a show or a deadline. I need that to guide me in what I'm gonna make. And then sometimes I'll work on music stuff.

DS I was listening to your single, “Murdered Out” and began reflecting upon how it's very visual in its language—in terms of the lyrics themselves and how the sounds wash over the listener. And then I started thinking about your text paintings, such as Pussy Galore. It's hard to avoid feeling an emotional or psychological overlap between the pain or power that your voice carries in the song, and then the visual associations with a work like Pussy Galore. Do you consciously think about translating the vibe of your songs like “Murdered out” into your paintings?

KG I don't usually, consciously think about it in that way. But, when I wrote that song I was actually using blacks in my pieces, doing stuff on mirrors with black spray paint and some of the lyrics came out of that process.