b. 1973, London, England; Lives and works in Zürich, Switzerland.

Monster Chetwynd is known for reworkings of iconic moments from cultural history in improvised performances. These include sculpture, costume, and painting, and often presented as installation and video. Characteristic of all the work is the inclusion of elements of folk plays and street spectacles that draw on literature and multiple genres that defy historic linearity. Troupes of performers are included in the works production and performance, frequently friends and relatives of the artist, and feature handmade costumes and props. Chetwynd has also worked on an extensive series of paintings collectively titled Bat Opera. The work has been described as ‘impatiently made’ by the artist, using cheap materials to easily create effective costumes and scenery that can be deployed and adapted at speed. Chetwynd incorporates eclectic cultural references – from Bertolt Brecht to Bugsy Malone and at its core, there is always an emphasis on the work’s collective development and group participation.

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