Born 1967, England

Concentrating on observations of societal characteristics of 21st century Moscow, my current creative work comments on structures inherent in modern day Russia. It relies on references to Russias rich history, primarily examining the changes from Communism to Socialism and responds to imagery gained from daily observations of the rapidly changing society, celebratory marches and protest demonstrations. Hidden in each piece is a statement regarding the ambiguity facing a new system.

For some time, my work has focused on the older generation and discusses their plight and role within the socialist system. It displays their struggle to survive, their struggle for reforms, and their proud demeanour. Much of the imagery used to symbolise these tensions involves references to Russian art. Traditional folk art and religious imagery are used to represent traditional ways, propaganda posters and commercial graphics to symbolise communist and socialist eras respectively.

Most recently, my work has developed into a series of how to graphical representations through drawings and paintings. In the style of pattern making pieces and paper doll chains, the work symbolises the making of characters within the society. Coded into this style is a darker narrative comment on the social landscape. The use of repeated images references the political control that has shaped and is still shaping the society; the single non-repeated figure is used in some works to represent activists. Historical memories develop into a comparison of changing cultures from enforced changes, different heritages and start to give a more global perspective.
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