In her practice Kirsty Bell explores the entanglement of the real and the artificial. She looks at societies desire for alternative realities, themes of authenticity, fabrication and the trick of painting. Her practice investigates the connection we have with synthetic realities and parasocial relationships.
Using a familial cast of characters comprised of found objects, figurines and similar pieces, precious and not, in conjunction with digital tools and AI she simulates and parrots real life. Creating images that switch between artificial and representational Bell looks at the way we experience the contemporary world.
Employing the painting technique of Trompe l’oeil enables Bell to break a barrier between the painting and the audience, extending the plane of reality, allowing her to connect with the history of painting and play with that in a contemporary setting
BIO Kirsty Bell is a visual artist from Scotland, she explores the entanglement of the real and the artificial. She does this through painting in conjunction with digital tools, creating images that switch between artificial and representational Bell looks at the way we experience the contemporary world. EXHIBITIONS ʻUnder constructionʼ Group exhibition at Look Again, Aberdeen (2022)ʻInbetweenʼ Group exhibition at the Anatomy Rooms, Aberdeen (2022)Grayʼs School of Art Degree Show, Aberdeen (2023)Freelands Foundation Painting Prize, Group exhibition, London (2023) EDUCATION Leith School of Art 2018-19, Diploma in art foundation Grays School of art 2019-23, Bachelors Degree in Painting (Hons) (1st class) PRIZES AND AWARDS Freelands painting prize 2023 RSA New Contemporaries 2024 RSA John Kinross Florence Scholarship award 2023 Grays School of Art Critical Creative award - Four Pillars 2023