Horror, Hedonism, and Queer World-Building: Jenkin van Zyl's Creative Journey

In this episode of the Extraordinary Creatives Podcast, Ceri Hand speaks with visionary artist Jenkin van Zyl about his journey from suburban life to the vibrant club and squat party culture of London. Jenkin is a multi-talented artist who creates immersive worlds that challenge binary oppositions and celebrate otherness. He shares the challenges he has faced in funding and managing large-scale projects, and offers valuable advice to emerging artists. He also talks about his experience exhibiting at the prestigious Hayward Gallery and how artists can embrace their unique worldview to live differently. Jenkin's new project explores the intersection of fantasy, horror, and contemporary politics. This inspiring conversation is not to be missed! KEY TAKEAWAYS Jenkin van Zyl describes his style as a fusion of artistry and intensity, drawing inspiration from theatrical ballet and horror elements. Jenkin's creative journey started in London squat parties and queer club culture, where he explored and expressed complex ideas about masculinity and identity through unique costuming. Jenkin emphasizes the importance of discovering your authentic voice and surrounding yourself with honest, supportive confidants who can provide straightforward guidance. Jenkin's work is characterized by its expansive creativity, incorporating filmmaking, sculptural works, drawings, performance, and writing, often presented in installation and world-building contexts. Jenkin faces challenges in funding and developing the scale of his projects, as well as balancing the multifaceted demands of being an artist, including project management, marketing, and navigating the art industry's underfunding and limited resources. BEST MOMENTS "I describe myself as a filmmaker, but that kind of inevitably spills out into kind of sculptural works, drawings, performance, writing." "I think there is a sense of otherness that is applied onto queer bodies and the otherness of monsters that has been emphasised over the years, I think is interesting." "I think it's about having kind of confidence in your worldview and nurturing the parts of that that are like super unique and necessary." "I think it's about going and making sure that I was doing as much stuff that had like physical material to kind of refresh and recharge." "I think it's really important at points in the work that we make to kind of not focus on the overwhelming state of crisis, but to apply CPR to the embers of things that are really important to salvage the world of humanity." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand