About

My work explores the representation of women in visual culture and within art history, in particular the representation of those from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background.

I recognize the importance of representation, and the effect that negative and limiting stereotypes towards minorities has, and want to show  positive images of the women I am painting.

Collage plays a central role in my work process, the figures in my work are sourced from mass media. When collecting images of women, I am considering factors such as their ethnicity, clothes and body language. I work from fashion magazines because I am interested in pattern, how fabric sits on the body and the surreal compositions that can be found in editorial spreads. In my paintings I enjoy creating multiple visual layers in my work and by doing so constructing multiple worlds within each painting, using visual suggestions of drapery and holes to conceal and reveal new spaces within the painting. 

The gallery’s relationship to the politics of my work is of significance – galleries are a reflection of our values as a society and it is important to be able to see yourself reflected in these spaces. 

I am interested in the interaction between the women in my work and the space around them, I hope to present these women as self-possessed individuals in control of the environment they are in, and by doing so am reaffirming to my audience that it is ok to be seen and to take up space. 

For future works I will be sourcing less images of women from mass media, instead taking and using photographs of people I know in order to include body diversity and so they can see themselves reflected in a space they would not normally occupy.