My work explores the relationship between the artist and the muse, and how the female gaze can manifest itself in figurative painting.
Primarily focusing on addressing the lack of representation of queer womxn of colour throughout art history, the work combats the fetishisation of minorities bodies and identities. Miranda ForresterMiranda Forrester
Through my work I am questioning what happens when women look? How does their gaze interact with the history of women’s bodies being on display for male consumption?
I have been investigating how my identity impacts on the way in which I depict my subject, and how my paintings can rearticulate the language and history of life drawing through a queer black feminist desiring lens, and in doing so, depict what the male gaze cannot see.
The work, altogether, is a celebration of women’s bodies and the joy in occupying feminine identities and being in relation with one another.
Can you tell us about your final year project?
My degree show painting series titled ‘Closed Doors’ relates to insular, private moments and settings that evoke feelings of warmth, familiarity, intimacy and peace. The calmness and restfulness about the paintings corresponds with themes of domesticity, ‘home’, and one’s sense of comfort within themselves.
The imagery being rooted in interior spaces and pulling them into the public realm is to do with exploring unspoken narratives and private moments, relationships, emotions, feelings, and how personal the political. Private domestic spaces have historically been perhaps one of few sanctuaries for queer people, where existing in exterior spaces is accompanied with some level of fear or trepidation.
The work explores this dichotomy and the ways in which this creates an interior space that is somehow more intimate and significant. I have been exploring materiality and experimenting with the use of plastic as well as canvas to convey this.
How have you found your time at Brighton?
I have really enjoyed my three years at Brighton, and have found the course has enabled me to explore my ideas, research and materiality. I have enjoyed the group crits in particular and found them useful and important for my practice. In my time at Brighton I have been able to hone in on how I want to represent my ideas and concerns in my work, been exposed to different artists and ways of thinking.
What are your plans after graduating?
I was lucky enough to be awarded the Class Art Phoenix studio award so I will be moving in to my new studio in September and continuing my part-time teaching job.
Find out more about Fine Art Painting
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