Christina Symes
Degree: BA Fine Art: Painting
University: Wimbledon College of Art
Graduation Year: 2017
New Blood Art Statement
Christina’s work is quietly confident – these small canvases with rich detailing of colour and light, draw you in. We're not alone in noticing the quality of her work and Christina has been selected for inclusion in the Clyde & Co Awards, which supports the next generation of emerging artists and has collections internationally – she was recently chosen as the winner of the staff vote prize of £2000. Notably a framed piece of Christina’s work is hanging in the House of Commons.
It’s quite rare to find such a collectable young artist whose work will tenderly yet intensely add beauty to your home. With prices starting at around £300 – it is the perfect time to invest!
Artist Statement
My practice strives to stimulate the viewers’ awareness of their own environment and specifically their engagement with nature. Through my painting, I share my own experience of liberation through nature. This offers me a form of escapism, peace and solitude, in contrast to the chaos and complexity of modern life.
I combine realistic, enhanced and imaginary elements, using bold, amplified colours and divergent tonal values. My experimentation extends to photo editing software and filters, to further explore and manipulate contrast and saturation.
By incorporating silhouettes of anonymous and isolated figures, facing away from the viewer, a sense of mystery and curiosity can be generated. My figures are stripped of identity and personality to direct the viewer’s focus firmly on the figure’s relationship with its surroundings.
I want to reflect a narrative of the mental dialogue between human and landscape. I hope this dialogue might enhance the importance of our natural environment, our personal engagement with it and the benefits it can bring to our wellbeing.
Solo Exhibitions
2019, Liberation Through Nature, Menier Gallery, London
Group Exhibitions
2018, Clyde & Co Art Award London Collection, Clyde & Co, London
2018, Salon Des Refuses, Candid Arts Trust, London
2017, Fine Art: Painting Degree Show, Wimbledon College of Arts, London
2017, 109 Nails, Copeland Gallery, London
2016, Mind Map, The Gallery on The Corner, London
2016, Creatives Group Exhibition, Creatives Gallery, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
2015, Capsticks Exhibition, Capsticks Law Firm, London
2014, Foundation Diploma Show, Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
2018, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Shortlist
2018, Clyde & Co Art Award Staff Vote
2018, Clyde & Co Scholarship Award
2019, Prize for Outstanding Performance by a Creative Entrepreneurship MA Student