'Figmental', Final Year Exhibition Piece -University of Leeds, 2021

Reflecting on lockdown, I began thinking about the freedom and restriction of places. I questioned the difference between viewing artwork in person versus online, and wanted to push the boundaries of the way we "see" art. I am fascinated by the architecture in Leeds, looking at buildings such as the Museum designed by Cuthbert Brodrick. I took photos and drawings in response to create compositions. Painting directly onto the walls meant I could interact with the architecture of the building, drawing attention to physical attributes of the room. This meant forms changed when observed from different angles. From some viewpoints lines are broken up and distorted, from others the compositions are complete. I wanted the viewer to be able to navigate themselves through the painting, so directed a short corridor leading to a confined space. My aim is for audiences to feel a sense of joy stepping into this fantasy place. The architectural contextualisation creates a contrast with the imagined space, and so I titled this piece 'Figmental'.