Vanessa Brady

My paintings often reflect social culture and nightlife, exploring the interiors of bars, clubs, cafes and their inhabitants. I observe the non-narrative, like a designer or photographer sourcing a tableau of interest and beauty.

Seduced by colour, my paintings contain strong contrast and uncompromising hues. Photography is instrumental to my process, I use the camera as a tool to acquire variations in imagery. Long exposures capture more than is already there and blurring, distortion and movement appear.

These variations of light fascinate me, a mystery of unknown energy captured in a moment and then processed through hand and paint onto canvas. The image comes through me; absorbed, personalised and then expressed in form, semi-abstract while reminiscent of its realist beginnings.

Recently I have focussed on a deeply personal series of portraits centring on feminine identity. Unlike previous non-narrative work, the subjects of these paintings are female icons or close personal friends. Each has a story to tell of struggle, whether physical or emotional, and overcoming adversity with an attitude and presence which has touched and inspired me.

Alongside ancient Hindu and Buddhist deities reflecting the divine mother; Sa...

ARTS EDUCATION 2002-2004 Bachelor of Visual Arts, Painting - University of South Australia 2000-2001 Bachelor of Visual Communication, Design - University of South AustraliaCOMMISSIONS2008 Highcross Leicester Development, LeicesterHammerson PLC, LondonPrivate Commissions, Coventry, London2007 Highcross Leicester Development, LeicesterHammerson PLC, LondonPrivate Commissions, London2006 Hammerson PLC, LondonPrivate Commissions, USA, London2005 Private Commissions, Australia, USAAWARDS RECEIVED 2005 Travel Grant, Helpmann Academy, South Australia - travel to Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland2004 Peoples Choice Award - Annual Art Purchase Prize, University of South Australia2003 High Commendation - Annual Art Purchase Prize, University of South AustraliaSELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS2007 Layered & Unveiled - 10GS Gallery, London2005 Maestros and Apprentices Auction Show - Convention Centre, Australia2005 Optus Exhibition - Optus Building, South Australia2005 New Painters - Hill-Smith Fine Art Gallery, South Australia2005 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition - Drill Hall, South Australia2004 The Last Picture Show SASA Graduate Exhibition, Australia 2004 Barely, Hardly, Slightly, Rarely - J111 Gallery, Underdal...