Joe Clarke

Since I was very young, I have always been fascinated by the world of horror. Perusing the covers of horror movies I was years too young to rent at the video store was more exciting to me than actually watching the newest releases. Over the years, the fascination developed into a passion and eventually into my current career path. I have always wanted to study the genre in depth and in a way that utilizes creativity, analysis, psychology and even the science behind eliciting fear, so my choice to study visual art was an obvious one. At ARA (A New Zealand polytechnic) I was able to bring the ideas that were festering in my head for years, to life. Being exposed to new techniques like the various printmaking methods and having access to a wide range of tools and equipment allowed me to develop the skills necessary to create work that matched the macabre landscape of my mind. The skills I have developed during my time studying art have given me many unique opportunities in the “real world”. A few years ago, I started working as an art tutor at Ōtautahi Creative Spaces. OCS is a specialist creative wellbeing initiative in Christchurch, New Zealand supporting people with experience of mental distress. We do this through studio groups, artist mentoring, collaborative projects, and exhibitions. Since graduating with my Masters in 2021, I have been taking part in various exhibitions and projects. From early 20th century Freudian theories to modern media like video games, these installations and shows have allowed me to show the world what a lifetime of being influenced by psychological horror from many contrasting mediums looks like.