“Working from home during the pandemic was difficult, but I felt inspired by new-found intimacies and sensations of confinement. Tutors and technincians remained committed and dedicated and I was motivated to work diligently by my talented peers. My experience at Brighton wouldn’t have been the same without my incredible coursemates, whose smiling faces I look forward to seeing every day!”

Hi Imogen – please tell us a bit about your work and your influences

“My practice explores my representation within both the White British and Indian communities, as I struggle to fully identify with either. I fuse my heritages via the process of collage. This technique is present in every stage of creation, and gives me the ability to alter the placement of urban and rural landscapes. Ingrid Pollard has been a major inspiration in relating the landscapes I observe to race. As a British Asian artist, I have questioned my placement within the environments I grew up in. Now, I incorporate sari fabrics into my work which represents a part of my identity I rejected whilst growing up. Within the expanses that I construct, I manipulate the representation of my identity and therefore gain control over how others perceive me.”

How have you found your course and time at Brighton?

“Over my three years at Brighton University, my practice has evolved and matured considerably. Working from home during the pandemic was difficult, but I felt inspired by new-found intimacies and sensations of confinement. Tutors and technincians remained committed and dedicated in our new learning environment, and I was motivated to work diligently by my talented peers. My experience at Brighton wouldn’t have been the same without my incredible coursemates, whose smiling faces I look forward to seeing every day!”

How did you choose your course – why did you choose to study that painting?

“Prior to my Art Foundation, I was certain I wanted to specialise in Printmaking or Illustration. However, my focus shifted towards Painting as I became inspired by artists who are not bound by expectations. Since Painting is a non-restrictive practice, it represents a way to visually express my thoughts and struggles. I chose Fine Art Painting at Brighton University because I wanted to mature my practice and build confidence as an artist. Specialising in Painting meant I could adapt ideas and develop theoretical & conceptual knowledge; most importantly I could learn to communicate with others through Art.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“I am planning to continue my practice, and have been applying for residencies, projects, and exhibitions happening later this year. I’m hoping to move to London, and can’t wait to see how the city’s diversity influences my practice.

Follow Imogen on Instagram @imogensart1999

Find out about studying Fine Art Painting at Brighton.