On Practice: Bunny X
Posted on 14 September 2026
How would you describe your practice in one sentence?
An air horn sound effect.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I have two names, I wanted to be known as ‘Redacted’, but whenever I tried to do artist applications they required a last name… Having a last name following ‘Redacted’ falls flat, Beyoncé is known as Beyoncé, not Beyoncé Knowles. Anyway, I decided to have both at the same time because, who says I can’t? Having numerous names is something a lot of queer people can relate to, after all our identity is shaped around being the rule breakers.
My other name, Bunny X is an alternative option for those who don’t want to refer to me as ‘Redacted,’ the name was not catching on! I’d rather offer an accommodation then force my preferences onto someone. In response to this, I decided I wanted a name that was positive and light in nature, which contrasts my work that can be depressing and macabre.
Lastly, the letter “X” is adopted to symbolise a rejection of my legal last name, which is essentially a slave name. A process of colonialism that isn’t recognised enough is the intentional stripping away of heritage, including languages and names. I pulled this from Malcom X, accurately known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.
From a marketing perspective, I know it’s a bit of a nightmare but I’m not that invested in notary beyond it generating more funds to donate to a range of countries in the global south. I made a series of fundraising prints of my digital artwork, made on my phone. It is confusing for people, but I think that’s a good thing! People don’t always need to be feed things on a plate, sometimes a little mystery is fun. Maybe I’ll change my name again!
We’ll see.
What are you currently working on, or excited about right now
A series of Sculptures, feels like I’m playing with toys!
What’s a challenge you’ve learned to work with rather than against?
Being limited in resources, it’s forced me to be imaginative and persistent, rather than giving up. Taking your own initiative speaks way more to people rather than fighting for that opportunity in an established organisation. I say this, but I do both, because I am annoyingly persistent. I am autistic and I have ADHD, I hyper fixate on ideas I am passionate about and it’s proven to be fruitful.
I organised and curated my first solo exhibition in a squatter building turnt into a community centre known as ‘The Onion’. It was a fundraiser centred on the beauty of cultures across the the global south. I was allowed to keep my work up over a month, which followed the values and intentions of the space. I wouldn’t have managed to do this without initially building a relationship and trust with people at the Onion. Having personal connections to people initially involved in running the space. I spent extended periods of time there, I volunteered my skills and labour before I even suggested the idea. These buildings aren’t just a space, they are a home for ideas. People typically are not willing to just let anyone into their home.
I thinks that’s far more impressive than paying my way into a solo exhibition.
Accepting the shortcomings I have and moving forward has done wonders for coping with being rejected. Which is inevitable when it comes to creative opportunities.
What aspect of the Castlefield Gallery Associates membership has benefited you the most so far?
Meeting other members!
I’ve had lovely conversations with Ashleigh Beattie, the first talk I went to at Castlefield Gallery, I spent it eating snacks and everyone could hear me. Ashleigh approached me in such a warm manner, and I told her about my body building aspirations. We also spoke about hair, she inspired me to make artwork with my hair.
I think she is one of my favourite members of Castlefield Gallery Associates. I am filled with delight everytime I see her.
What would you say to someone thinking of joining the scheme?
Interact with the volunteers, I’ve had some really insightful chats with them. It’s easy to gravitate toward the staff at the gallery, but I feel volunteers are just as important.
What are you hoping to explore or develop next?
Performance art, I stopped practicing due a series of bad experiences. Taking classes in Muay Thai, capoeira and voguing has helped me grow more comfortable with the idea of it.
One thing inspiring you right now?
Blue
A place that feeds your creativity?
My mothers house
A tool, habit, or ritual you rely on?
Recording my creative process
IMAGES
Title:
- Ideation, 2026, Bunny X
Body:
- Puppet nurse, 2026, Bunny X
- Birds of paradise, 2026, Bunny X
- Mop head, 2026, Bunny X, Photo courtesy of Maysie Taylor
Links
