Memoirs of The Self - Exploring Identity, Memory and Collaboration in Art.
Welcome to our latest exhibition, "Memoirs of the Self," where art becomes a captivating journey into the realms of identity, memory, and the power of collaboration. Through the art of painting and mixed media, three artists - Jessica Bills, Skye Davies, and Rhiannon Piper (myself) - come together to create visual representations and embodiments of themselves as artists. In this blog post, I invite you to delve into their unique artistic perspectives, the collaborative concept that unites their work, and the powerful impact of their exploration.
“Memoirs of the Self” is the product of creative endeavors into our identities, memories, and experiences. Through the art of painting and mixed media, we create visual representations and embodiments of ourselves as artists. While each artist investigates personal experiences and themes of identity, the collaborative concept threads common motifs throughout the exhibition. Furthermore, this exhibition aims to bring attention to those living with life-altering conditions like dementia by partnering with Alzheimer's Society UK to provide support and care.
In "Memoirs of the Self," the art on display takes viewers on a profound exploration of identity, memory, and collaboration. The three artists, Jessica Bills, Skye Davies, and Rhiannon Piper, bring their unique perspectives and artistic styles to create a collective body of work that is both visually captivating and thematically cohesive.
Jessica Bills. i-iv. Pencil on paper, A3. 2023
Jessica Bills’ large-scale oil paintings and sketches depict surrealistic representations of life and death. Inspired by her childhood aspirations of becoming a surgeon and her interest in philosophy and religion, particularly Christianity and Buddhism, Jessica's art delves into various perceptions of mortality and rebirth. Animal symbolism often finds its place in her works, juxtaposing humanity's desire for eternal youth with the fragility of our mortal bodies.
Skye Davies. Archival Photographs & Memory Maps. 2023.
Skye Davies's multimedia practice is deeply rooted in the recall of memories and the nostalgia of familial identity. Through archival material and everyday documentation, Skye memorializes the lives of the her family. Her oil paintings are enriched by memory maps that lay beneath them, offering a therapeutic way to navigate the labyrinth of her grandparents' home and her own childhood memories. Through her work, Skye invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and familial identities, drawing connections between the remnants of the everyday and the power of memory.
Rhiannon Piper. Self. Oil on Canvas. 150x200cm. 2023.
Rhiannon Piper's (Hello!) exploration of the self through self-portraiture offers a thought-provoking perspective on identity. With influences from old masters and traditional oil paintings, Rhiannon combines classic techniques with a contemporary context. Her artworks immerse viewers in otherworldly depictions and environments, encouraging them to question their understanding of the concepts surrounding the cycle of life and death.
The exhibition not only showcases the individual journeys of these artists but also presents a collaborative concept that weaves common motifs throughout the collection. Themes of identity, memory, and the fragility of self are explored collectively, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with viewers on a personal level.
In addition to the artistic exploration, "Memoirs of the Self" also seeks to make a positive impact beyond the art world. The exhibition has partnered with Alzheimer's Society UK, aiming to raise awareness and provide support for those living with conditions like dementia. By engaging with the art on display, visitors are invited to contemplate the significance of memory and the impact of losing one's sense of self.
We invite you to experience "Memoirs of the Self" firsthand and immerse yourself in the captivating world of identity, memory, and collaboration. Visit our exhibition and witness the remarkable artistic expressions of Jessica Bills, Skye Davies, and Rhiannon Piper. Together, they take us on an extraordinary journey.
Upon entering the exhibition space, visitors are greeted by an immersive and carefully curated display that enhances the overall experience of “Memoirs of the Self.” The artworks are thoughtfully arranged, utilizing negative space. Soft ambient lighting casts a warm glow, with the occasional dramatic spotlight helping create an intimate and contemplative air around the work that encourages viewers to engage deeply with the art.
Jessica Bills. The Shedding. 150x200cm. 2023.
The artworks on display in "Memoirs of the Self" offer a captivating array of visual narratives that delve deep into the realms of identity and memory. Jessica Bill's masterful oil paintings and sketches command attention with their compositions and surrealist imagery. One standout piece of Jessica’s is “The Shedding”, a large scale oil painting that truly dominates the wall it occupies with its intense imagery.
Skye Davies. Up the old Angel. Audio & Video installation. 2023
Skye Davies’s multimedia oil paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia and familial identity. Her piece “Up the old Angel” an audio work displayed with headphones for ultimate audience immersion transports viewers to a place outside of the exhibition space.
Rhiannon Piper. Untitled. Oil on Canvas, 35x40cm pp. 2023.
Rhiannon Piper's self-portraits, created using traditional oil painting techniques, offer an introspective journey into the artist's own understanding of the self. Her untitled series takes the viewer on a daily journey of self-portraits as her own perception of identity evolves as seen through dated smaller portraits.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Memoirs of the Self" is the seamless collaboration between Jessica Bills, Skye Davies, and Rhiannon Piper. While each artist brings their unique perspective and artistic style to the exhibition, their works intertwine to form a cohesive and thought-provoking narrative. Despite their distinct approaches, common motifs and themes emerge, creating a harmonious dialogue that resonates with viewers. The exploration of identity, memory, and the fragility of self connects the artworks, inviting viewers to contemplate their own experiences and reflections. It is through this collaboration that "Memoirs of the Self" becomes a multi-layered tapestry of artistic expressions, where the power of individual perspectives converges to create a collective journey into the complexities of being human.
I hope you all got to enjoy and experience the exhibition when it was live, and if not I hope this blog post offers some exploration of the exhibition itself.
If you wish to see more from the artists please do follow their instagram accounts below:
Jessica Bills: @jessicabills_art
Skye Davies: @skyedaviesartist
Rhiannon Piper: @rpa_studio
Thank you for taking the time to read this post! I’ll see you all on the next one x
