B. London 1977.
My practice is self-reflective, inspired by my recent rehabilitation from a life-changing accident. I voice the challenges of the physical and mental barriers I have navigated, framed within a broader cultural, social and political context. The interdisciplinary nature of my practice enables me to experiment with different media from installation to sculpture, dry-point etching, screen printing and interactive real-time 3D media. I am particularly interested in experimenting with extended reality, coding and medical data to develop this narrative.
On this journey of catharsis, my artwork is a therapeutic process and a catalyst for social change. I use art to promote positive mental health and to share creativity in accessible, inclusive and diverse surroundings. I explore the intersectionality between a body in crisis, disablism and the welfare state. I focus on these areas to highlight the inequalities created by austerity, the cost of living and the welfare state; and I work to establish communities connected by critical socio-political commentary and artist-led activism.
ACADEMIC:
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Graduated in 2001, Drawing at Camberwell College of Art.
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Foundation at Central St. Martins 1997.
LECTURES:
EXHIBITIONS:
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CAP Fest: Tate Lates, Tate Modern, March 2023
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Technologies and the Abyss, Dyson Gallery, Feb 2022
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Everything Forever, Sissi Club, Marseille,2021
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Work in Progress, Online Exhibition, Royal College of Art 2021
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Shape Open Retrospective: Cumulative Effect: Disability and the Welfare State, Hoxton Arches: 2018
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Shape Open: Collective Influence, Art Pavilion, London, 2018
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Shape Open: Power: The Politics of Disability, Ecology Pavilion, 2017
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Shape Open: My Life, 40th Anniversary Exhibition, Guest Projects, 2016
PRESS / PUBLICATIONS:
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Crafting Social Impact Through Multifaceted Artistry, the-artinsight, April 2024
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Art Connect: How to Plan an Accessible Exhibition, July 2020
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Step Forward Magazine: Featured, Spring 2018
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The Chronology of Disability Arts 1977-2017, Allan Sutherland, April 2017
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AQNB ‘Help the Normals’: Speaking up + being heard at Power: The Politics of Disability, Feb 2017
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East London Lines: Artist, Yinka Shonibare hosts Shape Open Exhibition, Feb 2016
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ORGAN: Dropped by the rather impressive Shape Open 2016 show yesterday, Feb 2016
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CNC News: London Shape Open exhibition explores disability art, Feb 2016
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East London Lines: Artist, Justin Piccirilli, Stone of stumbling, rock of offence, Feb 2016
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Hackney Gazette: Art Challenges Perceptions of Disability, Feb 2016
AWARDS:
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Arts Council England Develop Your Creative Practice Grant 2022
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Unlimited Micro Commission 2020 and 2021.
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Snowdon Trust Grant 2019/20 and 2021/22.
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Oppenheim-John Downes Memorial Trust Grant 2019/20 and 2021/22.
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Unlimited Emerging Artist Award Shortlist 2017.
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Shape Open 40th Anniversary Exhibition at Guest Projects 2016: My Life: People’s Choice Award Winner.