"Atabay II" Painting

Claire Townsend is a British artist working primarily in mixed media collage. She holds a BA from Wimbledon School of Art and an MA from Central Saint Martins, London. Her work explores the reclamation of fairytales and myths, using paint, ink, collage, and text to challenge patriarchal consumer-driven narratives, particularly the way women are portrayed in advertising. Instead of serving the male gaze, she reimagines these stories with a female-centric perspective. In recent years, Claire has delved into psychogeography, examining cities through the lens of individual memory and personal experience. Having moved frequently as a child due to her father’s work, she often returned to the same small town, which has shaped her understanding of cartography—suggesting that a map of a place is constantly shifting based on the experiences of the viewer. Currently, Claire’s art spans vibrant abstract landscapes and conceptual pieces that incorporate acrylic, ink, sequins, and beads. Her work continues to explore nature, transformation, and ancestral themes.