Sophie Rees
Degree: Univerisity of Brighton
University: University of Brighton
Graduation Year: 2008
New Blood Art Statement
The vibrant patterns found in the natural world have inspired great and artistic minds for centuries; think of that pilfering thrush with the sweet-beak in William Morris’ ‘Strawberry Thief,’ or those endless optical illusions by Yayoi Kusama. Brighton graduate, Sophie Rees explores the patterns found in nature and recreates and re-composes with an acutely abstract eye and lustrous palette - boasting glossy pinks, electric blues, and bioluminescent greens...
Rees’ canvases deliver a beautiful new take on the patterns that manifest around us every day. Her work is charming, refreshing, and original.
Artist Statement
Within my paintings are natural forms and pattern: pattern obscuring, decorating, repeating, accidental and expressive. Pattern as pattern and pattern as content. Central to the work is my passion for botanicals, using the contents of my garden and locally foraged specimens as inspiration for the paintings. My work relies heavily upon the seasons; the weather and flora provide the contents for the artwork and its final outcome.
Solo Exhibitions
2019, North Bristol Artists, Studio, Bristol, UK
2017, Bristol Art Trail, Studio, Bristol, UK
2015, Double Rainbow, Color Elefante, Valencia, Spain
2011, Monumental Shapes, Camden Collective, London, UK
Group Exhibitions
2020, Art Piq, The Flag Hotel, Frankfurt, Germany
2014, A Dream Within a Dream, Pluspace, Coventry, UK
2013, Many Headed Hydra, Departure Gallery, London, UK
2013, Oriel YJB, Oriel YJB, Llandudno, Wales
2010, Rhizomatic, Departure Gallery, London, UK
2010, Things to Come, Stour Space, London, UK
2010, East Wing 9, ‘The Art of Display', Somerset House, London, UK
2009, Guest Projects, Yinka Shonibare’s Space, London, UK
2009, The Great Purpose, Arts Pavilion, Mile End, London,UK
2008, B.A hon’s fine art painting degree show, University of Brighton, UK
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
2009, MK Painting Prize
2009, Artist Scholarship, National Eisteddfod, Wales, finalist
2009, Artist of the year, Sir Leslie Joseph award, Glynn Vivian Gallery, finalist
2008, Artist Scholarship, National Eisteddfod, Wales, finalist
2008, Aidan Threlfall Travel award (Chebut Valley, Argentina)