My work seeks to capture the Romantic beauty and melancholy embedded in the abandoned structures of post-industrial landscapes.
Urban ruins reveal to us the fleeting nature of time. Like wandering through the shadows of an enchanted forest, we are confronted with the perpetual cycle of decay that governs life, blurring the distinction between nature and culture. These remnants bear witness to the adaptive powers of ecosystems, a humbling reminder of our relative transience in the face of nature. Once symbols of progress and innovation, these structures now echo with lost futures.
Through my paintings, I strive to evoke these paradoxical emotions of volatility, historicity, and fragmentation. My intention is to convey a sense of awe towards these discarded elements of the landscape and to incite reflection on the beauty and fragility of life.
Alongside my painting practice, I have been researching the spellbinding effects of ruins upon artists throughout history. I am also creating a virtual gallery with a game-like experience to display my paintings, sketches and writings. My Art and Philosophy dissertation at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee, traced the evolution of immersion and the sublime from Romantic painting to contemporary media. Post-graduation, the RSA David Michie Travel Award supported me in expanding this project in Berlin, focusing on the intricate connection between a city and its abandoned structures.
