Pity Party by Mackenzie Kirkley

Humour is one of the most important parts of my life. I’ve used it to connect with my peers, to cope with hardships, and to fit in. Being a “class clown” was something I built into my personality, and as I got older, it became a self-destructive performance. My queerness, unconventionalism, personality, and identity weren’t things I embraced, but rather something I weaponised against myself to entertain others. As I’ve matured, my uniqueness isn’t something I’m ashamed of anymore, but rather something I can be proud of and feel comfortable in.

Pity Party is a tribute to my past, representing a past addiction to destructive behaviour while incorporating melancholic humour. It depicts the satirical scene of a party clown sitting in their bathtub, “smoking” a party horn after a long day, ready to continue the rinse-and-repeat cycle, hoping for better days. I wanted this portrait to be a reminder that being unique and unconventional isn’t something to hide or be ashamed of, but rather something we should embrace and celebrate.