Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Imitate Modern - ARTIST IN FOCUS: Rosie Emerson

Over the coming months we will be presenting our 'Artists in Focus' series, taking a closer look at each of our artists, their achievements, exhibitions and most popular artworks, as well as some new releases

British artist Rosie Emerson works almost exclusively in representing the female form, creating intricate artworks that have established her at the forefront of contemporary art. Drawing reference from new and old archetypes, Emerson’s subjects span from Artemis to modern day supermodels - a celebration of femininity from beauty to wisdom and strength - each solitary figure alluding to an allegory of her own fantasy. This fascination with old and new echoes in Emerson’s artistic techniques, seamlessly blending modern photography techniques with cyanotypes, watercolour painting and use of natural materials with stunning, ethereal results.

Rosie uses life-sized negatives of female figures and combines them with found objects to create eerily beautiful, spectral photographs-
Huck Magazine

Emerson’s love of theatre and performance is evident in her use of lighting, costume, prop-making and set-design, creating a dramatic aspect to her delicate artworks. Her in-depth knowledge of photographic techniques, which have seen her awarded a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest cyanotype, are complemented by her instinctive grasp of the painters’ palette, resulting in mysterious works that aim to be simultaneously known and unknown, much like each generations’ idolised leading ladies. Emerson is informed by the drama of the baroque and romantic pre-Raphaelite scenes, combining with late medieval and renaissance paintings, Japanese prints and magical realist literature for timeless and enchanting works.

‘By combining photography with painting it allows me to balance energy and precision, and create something, which despite hours of planning will still surprise me in its results.’

-Rosie Emerson

Integrating perfectly with these influences, Emerson uses natural materials including charcoal powder, ash and bronze dust to shift the focus of printmaking from accuracy and replication to the unique and unexpected within her subtly textured hand-finished prints.Recent experimentation with cyanotypes has enabled Emerson to montage objects with full-scale photographic negatives, using the sun’s rays to expose images directly onto the sensitised surface. These works, often hand-finished or gilded with gold leaf, enhance the feminine beauty of her subjects.

Rosie Emerson’s artworks are widely exhibited both in the UK and worldwide, gaining international acclaim for her solo shows and group exhibitions.

Notable collaborations include Harvey Nichols, The Ivy Club, Sony, Triumph Lingerie, Redbull, P&O Cruises and Annoushka Jewellery, with her work featuring in publications the calibre of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Financial Times Magazine and the Sunday Times Style Magazine, recognising her unparalleled ability and impeccable work.

‘The technique itself has an element of magic about it, it also a wonderful discovery to be able to combine painting, collage and photography in this way’’

-Rosie Emerson