Dan Auluk (British-South Asian-Indian with Punjabi Heritage, b. 1970)

Growing up in the 1970/80’s in a Punjabi culture and household I was encouraged to study for qualifications that were likely to earn me a wage. So reluctantly I felt pressured and studied sciences and then a Mathematics/Computing at degree level and had a career in IT for many years before deciding to leave a well-paid job to study art, to finally enjoy life a little more and develop and invest in an independent sense of who I was at 34.

I consider myself as an artist-curator, which means sometimes I make work in response to how I am feeling, my childhood, adolescent and queer lived experiences and other times I make creative live projects that explore communication and collaboration with other creative folk. Often anything creative starts from conversations; with my mother about my childhood but also in general with loved ones, strangers and my life partner.

My art practice approaches are rooted in conceptual approaches to drawing, live art performance, experimental digital drawing, text, photography and video; with a deep focus on research, around self-compassion - how self-kindness, shared human experience, and mindfulness play a role in our emotional health and wellbeing. Creativity has always been a way for me to take care of myself by connecting to self, others, my lived experiences of trauma and anxiety; and a way to be kinder to myself, to unpack and process. Currently, I am exploring Queer Joy and unpacking grief through experimental digital drawings, paintings and photography.

I have 25 years of experience of working with and for LGBTQ+ people and communities around emotional health and wellbeing support, from 121 mentoring and wellbeing work, group facilitation, training and workshops to reduce isolation and loneliness; in the charity sector, NHS and Universities.