Brian Dawn Chalkley

Brian Dawn Chalkley is an artist based in London who explores the concepts of gender and identity through various forms of artistic expression such as painting, drawing, film, and performance. Chalkley uses two distinct personas, Brian and Dawn, to tell stories of obsession, repression, and sexual fantasy with a dark sense of humor and a deep understanding of human experience.

Chalkley was born in 1948 and graduated with honors from Chelsea College of Art with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973, followed by a Master of Arts from Slade School of Fine Art in 1975. They are currently a senior tutor in the Master of Fine Arts program at Chelsea College of Art and Design. From 2005 to 2016, Chalkley was also the course leader at Chelsea College of Art and Design.

Throughout their career, Chalkley has participated in numerous conferences and lectures at institutions such as the Royal College of Art London, Outpost Gallery Norwich, and UAL London. They have received several grants and awards, including the Rome Award in Painting in 1989 and the John Moores Liverpool Exhibition 15 in 1987. In 2000, they were awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Manchester Metropolitan University. Chalkley has also received research grants for the publication of books such as "Mother" in 2005 and for Ancient and Modern Publication in 2012. In 2017, Chalkley was awarded the Residency in Taipie UAL award.

Chalkley's practice offers a unique perspective on identity and gender, pushing the boundaries of traditional societal constructs and exploring the concept of "becoming other" as an identity in itself.