ABOUT THE ARTIST > BIOGRAPHY
+ Enlarge image
I have been Bristol based since graduating from Norwich school of Art and Design in 1996.

I am interested in creating work that dispels the notion of stereotypes and draws on themes of race, identity and culture.  My work reflects my own experience as a black British woman of dual heritage seeking to reclaim references to my African descent. I use painting, drawing mixed media and video installation to weave the narratives that bring together the threads of my journey through life. In my work I aim to present cultural explorations into black subjectivity through images that confront Afro-centrism, gender conceptions and notions of Black British identity.

Based at Spike Island Artists. studios since 2004, I continue to develop my practice by creating new works, taking up residencies and engaging in artist lead initiatives. Following my R&D visit to the Dak.Art Biennale in 2006 I was awarded a place on the Picture-This Small Wonders scheme for new moving image projects, this resulted in the making of the three screen DVD installation HLM Costume. In this work I unite cultural, physical, cinematic and architectural references through the imagery of Dakar.  It is a personal journey combining images and sounds of the lively streets of Dakar.  As I share the experiences of the Dakar women, viewers are able to share my journey, following my immersion into the local culture.

I work extensively in community arts both locally and nationally facilitating projects for museums, galleries, schools, colleges, prisons, hospitals and community groups. I have worked in collaboration with The Arts Council of England, Creative Partnerships and Bristol Cultural Development Partnership. I am featured in the Bristol Education Action Zone curriculum resource publication Black Bristolians .People who make a difference.. My studio practice influences the workshops I run and I am committed to introducing contemporary African and practicing Diaspora artists to young people and all communities with whom I work. I am passionate about what I do, and my aim is to encourage and inspire a broader understanding for the visual arts.
 
ABOUT THE ARTIST > LINKS & ASSOCIATIONS
Welcome to the links page. Links to websites that the artist is associated with will be posted here regularly.
 
Spike Island Studios
Gloria works from her studio at Spike Island.
www.spikeisland.org.uk
   
Calling
Ending in May 2005, Calling was a year-long digital residency programme for three artists of African heritage.
www.calling.org.uk
 
Creative Learning Agency
www.creativelearningagency.org.uk
 
The Dak'Art Project
www.dakart.org
 
Artist's Diary
www.calling.org.uk/.../gloria
 
Artists Blog
dakartobristol.blogspot.com
 
 
 
    © Copyright GloArts Ltd. 2008