An exhibition conclusion to https://klgilmartin.com/2020/09/16/owning-narrative/

Photo Credit: Myself

Photo credit: Molly W

Artist Statement

Drawing using simple line work, soft textures, pencil and ink on paper. Painting, collage, zines, fibre and textiles are present throughout my making. A multidisciplinary approach allows me space to work with emotionally heavy ideas present in drawing and personal writing. This space of ease and play is essential to maintaining the type of work that covers grim topics in a balanced way. This work is predominantly drawing, depicting the inner narratives of a life rich in contrasting texture. 

This body of work has landmarks from the North and South East of England, landscapes and experiences that shaped my nomadic and problematic childhood. It is creative nonfiction, borrowing from dark fairy tales, pre-Reformation church imagery and medieval folklore, most recently Baba Yaga and Sheela na gig, using violent or unsettling recurring motifs, forming a visual language that can deeply connect with those who have had similar experiences. The connection has been a driver for making for over a decade; the power of giving someone else the feeling of being seen, a voice, not alone, unashamed, is joyous. 

Most recently, Sophie Pearson’s work has resonated with my practice. She simplifies and compartmentalises memories, desensitising herself to the past. “I’ll remember you as red.” Pearson references childhood photos, blanking out the figures around her with red. I cut my teeth on YBAs, specifically Tracey Emin and Sara Lucus. Then seeing an interview with Emin made me think she would scare me in person; now not so much. Recently, Lucus did Venus Victory – figure on a giant washing machine- which brings me joy. A washing machine has been a recurring motif of my own since 2018, as it also connects to part of the impossible washing tasks in versions of the folk tale Baba Yaga. 

Currently using drawing and text, I’m able to be very direct about the subject, in the past, I chose to show a lot without telling, being more vague and letting the work hold layers of meaning by being more surreal. I have used exhibitions as celebrations and punctuation marks; milestones attached to showing bodies of work. This one commemorates the conclusion to a Crown Court process.

Photo Credit: @https://eloiseohare.co.uk/art/

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