About this residency:
As human beings, we have always been involved in mark making; traditionally, ritualistically, as a means of recording, expressing as well as communicating with each other. Drawings, be it on the floor, wall, cave, paper or canvas are everywhere. However, they are rarely thought of as works of art. The history of drawing too encompasses the history of drawing as a technique, as secondary to creating the final artwork—a finished painting, sculpture, fresco or manuscript. A marker of artistic ability, drawing was an intermediate practice or a process of unfolding that always pointed to a future.The advent of modernism and postmodernism however, changed the way artists perceived the technique. Drawing finally became a medium in its own right and was valued for its immense potential and ability to aid in experimentation, in the face of new media, technologies and concerns.More than half a century down the line, our ways of creating are undergoing a rapid change, particularly now as we have shifted to a completely digital era, post-covid. Keeping this in mind, what does it mean to think of the medium today, in contemporary art practice and the larger world?
Nikki Dennett
Nicki Dennett is a contemporary artist based in Derbyshire. She is known for her vibrant and dynamic original prints, which are inspired by nature, landscapes, and human emotion. The use of colour is also a prominent feature, with bold, bright hues that capture the energy and vitality of the natural world. Her work resonates with viewers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a unique perspective on the world around us. Whether depicting the beauty of nature or the complexity of human emotion, her work is a celebration of life, energy, and creativity.
Emily Bottomer
Through her ongoing practice, artist Emily Bottomer (b. 1997, Derby) explores the complexities of her identity and past experiences as a working-class British woman who grew up in a mixed Christian setting. Using techniques that are both laborious and time intensive, her processes are equally as important as the works she produces. With graphite, charcoal and paints she creates work that explores shadow and darkness in the presence of vivid, luminous colour. Often creating larger works in the expanded field, Bottomer explores the validity and importance of both drawing and painting in contemporary fine art.