Academic writing is not my forte, so I was glad when the teachers encouraged me to be creative with my critical essay. I started a graphic novel about fiction in art.
Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences
My work explores how I can use the medium of the graphic novel in painting and extend it into the gallery space. From a personal photographic resource, I make up fictions featuring family members and friends. I give them different roles from the reality and change their environment. With humour, I address themes such as feminism and gender roles. I take inspiration from my own personal life, creating scenes which allow me to comment on society. I am influenced by artists such as the Guerrilla Girls, Amy Sillman, Toyin Ojih Odutola and Lucy Mckenzie, but also comic artists such as Catherine Anyango and Patrick Kyle.
I use techniques such as water-based paint and ornaments that are often associated with a feminine sensibility. On the one hand I want to honour women in history: the art that was acceptable for them to produce, and the crafts they mastered working at home. On the other hand, I am using these codes ironically to revolt against the prejudices associated with how women are supposed to express their sensibility.
How have you found your course and time at Brighton?
My favorite modules of the course were Consolidating Practice with regular tutorial sessions with the teachers in studio, where we were encouraged to experiment to push our practice further, and the Mentoring module which helped me gain confidence and find my voice as an artist.
Academic writing is not my forte, so I was glad when the teachers encouraged me to be creative with my critical essay. I started a graphic novel about fiction in art. It’s enjoyable to be able to make the most of your skills and passion.
I have been living in Brighton for a few years now, it’s a great town, and it hosts a beautiful creative community. Not far from London, I often spend the day there to see exhibitions.
How did you choose your course – why did you choose to study Fine Art?
I chose the course because I needed to focus on my artistic practice and to have feedback from professionals on my work. The Brighton University MA in Fine Art had good reputation and the students I contacted seemed to be happy with it. I chose to study Fine Art because I don’t want to have to choose between painting, sculpture, or drawing. You go where your practice leads you.
What are your plans after graduation?
With other Brighton based artists, we would like to organize more shows around the town. I would also like to do more residencies because I like developing work in specific space, and with a time frame. And finally, there is a quirky graphic novel that I am keen to start writing!
Instagram: @mariesahy
Website:www.mariesahy.com
Find out more about MA Fine Art
