Vanessa Garwood
Biography
Born in 1982, Vanessa’s work initially focused on portraiture and in developing a language of oil painting through both commissions and her own subjects. These themes ranged from narrative storytelling, male nules, dancers, also performance collaborations with choreographers. In 2020 her practice shifted to include acrylics and ceramics, working in these new mediums to build a world where more personal themes could be explored. These paintings observe contemporary women, giving weight and value to moments or feelings that are perhaps awkward or unseen. They are fragments of the artist’s memories and imagination, often using satire to express an empathy and compassion for conflicting emotions, taking an unapologetic look at what it feels like to grow up in London.
Currently living in Rome working on a combination of projects.
Upcoming Group show, Fondazione Memmo, Rome, ‘Conversation Piece’ Dec 2024
Upcoming Group show, Cooke Latham Gallery, London, Jan 2025
Upcoming residency at ‘Anchor’ Studios, BSJW Trust, Summer 2025
Recent events / selected others
‘Vessel’ Group show, OHSH projects London, August 2024
Anchor studios Residency, BSJW Trust Porthmeor Studios Cornwall, July 2024
Solo show PMAM Gallery, March 2024
‘Present Tense’ Group show, Hauser & Wirth Somerset, January 2024
‘Poison’ Group Show, OHSH projects London 2023
‘Small is Beautiful’ Group Show, Flowers 2022
National Portrait Gallery, Group show BP award, 2020
National Portrait Gallery, Group show BP award, 2019
‘Dancing Lines’ Royal Opera House, Paul Hamlyn Hall, 2019
National Portrait Gallery, Group show BP award, 2018
Solo show ‘And is it True’, Rook and Raven gallery 2015