Helen Sykes

Most of my work is about feelings. I use characters as motifs to express memories, dreams and day-dreams. I try to work automatically, to bring subconscious thoughts to the surface. Every time I draw or paint the subject I do so with an idea of the motif but without expectations. I like to work with familiar iconography but each piece has it's own agenda.
I am interested in Western Art History, so the language of painting is important to me. I explore process, surface, colour and spacial relationships, but not in an overly-formal way. Oftentimes, it aids the initial thought and at other times it kind of disrupts it, helping the piece move into new territory. I am usually searching for something in the space between or around the objects or beings I am painting. In my world there is figuration, abstraction and expressionism. Minimalism can butt up against maximalism and the popular aesthetic of the mid to late 20th Century is as valid a means of expression as anything else in the gamut of art history. I grew up with a fascination for both Leonardo Da Vinci and Top Cat.

Central St Martins College, London
University of East Anglia
University of Essex

Pop Up Show, Victoria Works, London Sep 2024

Pop Up Show, Victoria Works, London Sep 2023

Pop Up Show, Havelock Walk, London Dec 2019

'MAY DAY' Jeffrey Meier Gallery
Lambertville, NJ May 2015

SPRING FEVER: Emerging Artists From Saatchi Art
Hyatt Regency, London UK March - July 2014
Curated by Rebecca Wilson

My piece 'Ann Miller' is featured in the Saatchi online collection STRANGE VISIONS, curated by Katherine Henning, Assistant Curator at Saatchi Art.

My piece 'Hotel Reservations' is featured in the Saatchi online collection ANIMAL FARM, curated by Katherine Henning, Assistant Curator at Saatchi Art.

My piece ‘Horned Monkey’ from A Book of Amimals is featured in the Saatchi Online 2012 project ‘100 CURATORS 100 DAYS’ selected by Kim Knoppers curator at Foam International Photography Museum, Amsterdam

OUTPOST GALLERY members show 2011,
selected by Cerith Wyn Evans

ROYAL ACADEMY SUMMER EXHIBITION
London 2010

KUNSTWERK BAZAAR selected by Andrew Hunt
Outpost Gallery Norwich 2008

MIND AS MACHINE Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery 2007

SALTHOUSE 2007 curated by James Colman

A DOG WALK ROUND NEW COSTESSEY
Solo show Outpost Gallery Norwich 2006

JERWOOD DRAWING PRIZE 2006

JERWOOD DRAWING PRIZE 2005

NATIONAL PORTRAIT AW...