Art Works: Joanna Whittle

I have been a landscape painter for many years but, more recently, I have begun to focus on small paintings that create intricate and intense worlds, which draw the viewer in and demand scrutiny. Islanded Tent is part of a series of paintings which focus on temporary structures, such as festival marquees and fairground equipment.  Having spent time working at festivals, I had the opportunity to explore these sites when no one was around. The structures are often depicted sinking into mud or water, with an abandoned look about them. With the lights still lit though, the viewer can’t be sure of whether they are in use or derelict; they also make one question the reality of what we think we perceive.

I was born in Zambia and lived in Saudi Arabia during my childhood, before I studied painting in London at Central St Martins and the Royal College of Art. I moved to Sheffield in 2017 where I now work as a painter. I haven’t been to Nottingham for a while, but I think it has a really interesting and diverse arts scene. It was great to be selected for the Harley Open and being named as a winner was even more of a compliment. It was a great exhibition with a really strong display of work.

Recently I have begun working with ceramics, while I’ve also been involved in numerous street art projects. I am currently making a new body of paintings that are focussed on similar themes, but I’m always trying to develop my ceramics where I can. I’ll be taking part in group exhibitions at Boston Castle, Asylum Studios in Suffolk and Gage Gallery in Sheffield, where I've also got my own solo exhibition at Cupola Gallery in October. Considering that my paintings can take over a month to complete, I’m going to be very busy.

Joanna Whittle website