by Evie Andrews
Creativity takes courage. Whether you love, hate, or feel ambivalent toward Henry Matisse, he was bang on the money when he allegedly uttered those three words. They apply more now than ever, with creatives facing a lack of funding and fewer opportunities and fewer opportunities amidst the cost of living crisis, pushing many artists into different careers with more bankable prospects. Consequently, the backbone of our culture becomes more brittle by the day. Thankfully, Bristol still attracts some of the best and brightest artists around, and here at Squarely it is our privilege to shine a light on their work in each issue. It is vital that we continue to champion those of us with the courage to be creative: read on to find out more about the immensely talented artists of our city.
Khadija Choudhury
Khadija graduated from University of Brighton, with her most recent exhibition being ‘CORE’ hosted at The Mount Without this past August. Bold colourful and dynamic, Khadija’s work illustrates moments in time. From painting to painting, you may find yourself stood still at a jagged precipice, before leaping into an abyss you have only ever seen before in dreams. The colours of the landscape swim and dance, occupying the mysterious moment between movement and stillness, when you feel yourself just starting to fall. Khadija’s work is a turbulent dream, an expression of surreal feelings given shape Khadij as hared some words about her work ‘Obsession, love and loss are themes I use that are connected through repetitive shapes and visceral experiences. And through movement, each composition explores a visual perspective of these themes. I am interested in using geological landscapes to exude freedom in linear motion which become the foundations of a painting Within intimate moments of finding raw material and translating their turbulent form into paintings, I am being playful and am open to mistakes. These particular landscapes, to me, allude to these thematic feelings of loss, love and an obsession to counterbalance its serenity into distortion.· Keep an eye out for Khadija’s next Bristol-based show.
Stay up to date with Khadija Choudhury’s work: @khadiij.a
Katie Holloway
Katie is a graphic designer and curator of exhibitions for the Tobacco Factory; Grain Barge and their other venues, based in Bristol. Alongside this and freelance design work, Katie paints murals with the women-led Bristol Mural Collective as a way to connect and grow with fellow creatives. Inspired by her curiosities and our connection to nature, she loves painting abstract, bold murals bursting with intertwining shapes and forms. A love for being outdoors and connecting with communities not only influences her work, but motivates her to continue painting and brightening outdoor spaces in the city and beyond.
Stay up to date with Katie Holloway’s work: @k.holla.wayo or www.katieholloway.co.uk/
Emma Farquhar
Emma is a recent UWE Illustration graduate with a love for bold, layered visuals and a hands-on approach to making art Her work thrives on the energy of mixed media-lino printing, ink, and collage-blending bold shapes, vibrant colours, and striking typography to create eye-catching designs Emma shared some of her influences with us. ‘Music, travel, old-school design, and the natural world fuel my creativity I’m especially fascinated by the visual culture surrounding sound-how music can be translated into shapes, colours, and patterns· This passion has inspired projects such as celebrating the UK rave scene’s iconic visual language and creating posters for the new sports of the 202 4 Paris Olympics Emma is back in Bristol and is ready to bring fresh ideas to life, whether they be posters, publications or large-scale works. She is also painting her first mural!
Stay up to date with Emma Farquhar’s work: @farquharrink_ or farquharink.co.uk
