In the Artist’s Gallery this month, we spotlight creators whose work defies convention and rewrites the rules of artistic expression. From self-taught visionaries to those creating in isolation, these artists channel deeply personal, untamed perspectives into their craft.
What is Outsider Art?
The concept of Outsider Art refers to artwork produced by individuals outside the conventional art establishment. The term was introduced in 1972 by British art historian Roger Cardinal as a translation of the French term Art Brut, which means "raw art" or "rough art." Art Brut was first coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet, who sought to identify and celebrate works created by individuals not influenced by formal art education, cultural traditions, or mainstream artistic practices.
Dubuffet was particularly interested in art made by individuals living in mental institutions, as well as those who worked in isolation or obscurity. These creators often had no formal training and developed their artistic practices independently, producing highly original and unconventional works.
Outsider Art typically defies traditional definitions of fine art. Frequently characterised by a raw, untamed quality and reflects deeply personal or idiosyncratic perspectives. Rather than being crafted for commercial purposes or recognition, these works often emerge from a deep, intrinsic drive to express emotions, ideas, or unique inner worlds.
This art has since expanded to include works by self-taught artists from a variety of backgrounds, including those marginalised by societal norms or excluded from conventional artistic communities. Outsider Art challenges assumptions about the value and purpose of art, offering a powerful lens into the diverse ways human creativity manifests beyond the boundaries of institutional influence.
Does Outsider Art Matter?
Outsider Art invites us to rethink creativity and the artist’s role in society. These works—often deeply autobiographical—reflect the experiences of those living on the periphery, whether due to mental illness, poverty, disability, or societal norms that don’t accommodate their worldview. They remind us that art isn’t just a polished product of institutions but also an act of raw humanity.
As you explore these pages, you’ll encounter bold narratives, unconventional techniques, and raw emotion captured in every stroke and form. This gallery is more than a showcase—it's a testament to the boundless creativity that flourishes outside the mainstream.
Let their work inspire you to see art not just as a product, but as a process of pure, unfiltered connection.
*******************
Artist name - Ben Britz
Social media - https://www.instagram.com/benji.britz/profilecard/?igsh=bTFiYWw2Y3QzbGdj
Biography
A freelance painter and artist experienced in producing surrealist paintings and drawings utilising what I can only characterise as unconventional/dyslexic conceptual techniques.
The idea of parallel worlds or dimensions and their relationship to prehistoric societies and perhaps our own subconscious has always captivated me.
My practice is a dyslexic association made of distinct figures and brightly coloured patterns that are later combined. I let the work develop organically, approaching each piece with only a vague notion of the imagery.
Usually with a pen and bleed-proof paper and Coptic markers.
********************
Artist name Renée LoBue
Biography
Renée LoBue is an American multidisciplinary artist who seamlessly blends music, visual art, photography, performance art, fiction, and installations to create immersive experiences. Self-taught and prolific, she has released 11 albums and EPs with her bands Elk City and Flowers of America (FOA) and has crafted hundreds of visual artworks and thousands of fantasy self-portraits. In her audiovisual installations, she acts as a narrative tour guide, leading audiences through her creations. LoBue’s work often tackles themes of empowerment and social issues. She is recognized for her reinterpretation of Keith Haring’s mural that once graced the Houston-Bowery wall in NYC in the 1980s. Notable musicians she has worked with include Lloyd Cole and members of the legendary indie bands Luna and Versus. She co-founded the Magic Door independent record label. Her art has been exhibited at Edinburgh Fringe, The Rochester Center of Contemporary Art (RoCo), Brooklyn’s Gallery GAIA, and the Barbagelata Contemporary Art Foundation in Barcelona. LoBue’s intuitive improvisation across mediums enables her to craft spontaneous and deeply personal works that delve into complex feminist narratives and the empowered journeys of women across generations.
“Jacob Arrives at the Capitol Building, January 6, 2021"
DESCRIPTION
Renée LoBue's mixed media paper sculpture “Jacob Arrives at the Capitol Building, January 6, 2021" merges political satire with an abstract narrative, capturing the surreal and chaotic essence of the January 6th Capitol riot. The piece draws its inspiration from the infamous figure of Jacob Chansley, also known as the “horn guy,” who became a symbol of the bizarre nature of that day. Through a playful use of materials, including yarn and fabric, the sculpture creates a caricature of Chansley, complete with his signature horns, while subtly critiquing the absurdity of the events. The vibrant colors and textured elements add a layer of humor, inviting viewers to reflect on the lasting impact of these moments in political history. This work serves as a poignant reminder of the power of memory and media in shaping our collective understanding of such significant events. This portrait explores the performative nature of identity, particularly in professional or public spaces.
Links to social media -https://www.instagram.com/reneelobue/ Website - https://linktr.ee/reneelobue
**************************
Artist name - Victoria Plaunova
Biography
Maybe it was some kind of crisis in my life, but at a certain point, I started making collages. I enjoyed 'breaking' images into pieces, and eventually, I moved on to mosaics. This deeply resonated with the way I perceive the world, life, some concepts, and new places. You break down something complex into simpler parts, understand it, and then admire it from afar. Sure, I don’t have formal academic training—mosaic artists and painters look at me with a hint of amusement, and sometimes I even feel like I just made it all up, and that my work isn’t 'real' art. But I love this mosaic aesthetic in digital form so much! So I keep creating.
Links to social media -https://www.instagram.com/vika_plaunova
Website - https://www.behance.net/vikaplaunova
******************
Artist name - Obada Alomari
Biography
It all started while I was studying Medicine in Egypt. I realized that I wanted to become an artist more than a doctor.
Nature is my master as an outsider, observing the simplicity, beauty, and randomness of everything from
the bottom of the sea to the scattered stars in the sky, i draw inspiration and insight.
I made the decision to complete my MBBS degree but, at the same time, started preparing for a transition into the Art world.
In 2016, I opened ZAKKA Gallery in Jordan, There i learned a lot of skills from artists and craftspeople, and that's how the journey began.
Since 2021, I have participated in art residencies and group exhibitions, totaling 14 months in art residencies and 20 group exhibitions across the UK, Greece, Georgia, and Jordan.
Windborne
DESCRIPTION - The work explores the hidden benefits of life’s challenges, How the wind's force, though intense, helps spread pollen and support trees’ growth. Energy or life force being carried away, to create new growth.
Links to social media - https://www.instagram.com/obada_omari
***********
Artist name - Ely X
Biography
Ely X is a multidisciplinary self-taught artist, blending her talents as a digital artist, writer, psychologist, and entrepreneur.
As a mother, poetess, and art manager, she seamlessly merges her personal and professional passions.
Ely is CEO & founder of the Women's Art Gallery 'Believe in Women' and curator of her own digital art collection, having nurtured a love for art and poetry since childhood. With over 13 years of experience designing images, websites, and marketing materials, her creative journey has been one of constant evolution.
Specializing in 1/1 digital art, animations, glitch art, and AI-generated pieces, Ely X has sold nearly 100 unique works to collectors across the globe. Her art is known for its innovation, driven by artistic intuition and a desire to push boundaries.
Links to social media - https://www.instagram.com/ely.x.art?igsh=N3k0MmZpMTFoY3Ix https://x.com/elypse2021?s=21&t=GaUecKCgvOlsMXh3N8Z9lA
Website - Elyxart.com
DESCRIPTION
#18 Crystallization: (Phase 7) Crystallization is a process in which a purified substance transforms from a liquid or gaseous state into a solid crystalline form. In alchemy, this phase represents the materialization of spiritual essence into a tangible, structured form. It is the point where the refined and purified matter achieves its final, perfected state. Crystallization symbolizes the manifestation of spiritual perfection in the material world. It is the solidification of the alchemist's inner work, where spiritual insights and enlightenment take on a permanent, structured form, often representing the ultimate goal of the alchemical process. The formation of crystals as a purified substance cools and solidifies, representing the culmination of the alchemical journey toward the philosopher’s stone or other perfected material forms. In this phase, the alchemist witnesses the tangible results of the transformational process, with the crystallization serving as a metaphor for the integration of spiritual wisdom into everyday reality. Alkimia Magnum Opus – A collection where every piece is a reflection of the eternal pursuit of perfection, fusing raw elements into pure artistic gold. The alchemical process, known as the Great Work or Magnum Opus, is a series of symbolic and physical steps that alchemists followed to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold or spiritual transformation. a process of personal and spiritual transformation, where the alchemist sought to achieve perfection and enlightenment.
*******************
Artist name - Josefine Elfrida Hartvig Twisttmann
Biography
Josefine Elfrida is an artist and performer. With a love for the grotesque, the burlesque, the suspect and everything around it, she explores the ugly and distorted parts of the human mind with all its hopelessness, irony and glittery beauty. Through her visual art she explores the horror of the relationship to her own body with an anarchistic and unconventional approach.
Links to social media - @elfridaart
*******************
Artist name -Rochelle Shicoff
Links to social media @rochelleshicoff. Website - http://shellyshicoff.weebly.com
BiographyArt making is the thread that runs through Rochelle Shicoff’s life.
She was awarded the Rome Prize Fellowship in Painting as well as many public art commissions and residencies. She has traveled extensively throughout Western Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia photographing architecture and landscapes. Among her awards are Visiting Artist residencies, community grants, a nomination for the Fulbright and American Academy of Arts and Letters. She co-authored The Mural Book: A Practical Guide for Educators published by Crystal Productions. Her murals can be seen in NYC, MA, FLA, GA, and Mexico.
Rochelle Shicoff is a member of Gallery A-3/ Amherst, Massachusetts and has exhibited both nationally and internationally.
The submitted work connects to your theme because the images, though referenced in the natural world, are unfamiliar and uncommon. These works create a new combination of reality and fantasy.
Quite Possible
DESCRIPTION
Quite Possible, 22.5” X 28.5”. This oil pastel and pencil work shows a bright green and blue boat while a cat-like presence is slowly going towards a house that is on fire. The tree has already burned. Scratching into the oil pastel surface calls attention to the textures of the images.
*******************
Artist Name - Tatiana Sozonova
name is Tatiana Sozonova. I am a self-taught artist. My artistic name is TS. I was born in the picturesque country of Moldova in the city of Chisinau. Due to different life situations, I left to live in Greece quite young and green. To a country where God himself blessed with a huge history, gorgeous climate, and fabulous nature. I started drawing when I was a child, but there was no push to promote it. When I was left without a job in 2013, drawing began as a way of self-expression. In addition to drawing, I also created jewelry. After a couple of years, decor faded into the background and I spent most of my time drawing. I painted mainly on paper and wood and did not dare to take on a painting. And in 2020, I decided to buy a canvas and different paints before the whole world was closed and decided to take on a large painting. And then something unexpected happened to me, it began to draw me in with such force that in addition to painting large paintings, I participated in various international competitions for artists. At the competitions, they requested not only paintings but also posters and the creation of wine labels. The largest first painting 170 cm by 175 cm called "THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL" is still being finalized. This painting is the beginning of my passion for painting now. I adhere to the rule that "an artist is not a profession, it is a state of mind." Each of my paintings carries something of its own, where joy, where sadness, fantasy, and thoughts, each painting has its own little life.
Links to social media - https://www.instagram.com/ts.world.designer/
Website - https://www.facebook.com/TatianaSozonovaArt/
"Hera" Goddess DESCRIPTION - Greek mythology. Oil, acrylic, pencil, white marker, bronze spray, canvas
****************
Artist name - Chiara Scoglio
Biography
Chiara Scoglio (they/she) is a London-based visual artist, writer and puppetry theatre-maker from Italy. Having been an “unofficial” creative for their whole life, in 2023 they created the puppetry, object and experimental theatre collective Chicken Shop Hermits alongside Hector T. J. Huang, with which they have been active since, trying to offer a platform to emerging artists. Chiara’s work always attempts to merge words and visuals while exploring their sense of self in a patchwork of impressions. Lately they have been focusing on their definition and understanding of home and family while also reflecting on the awareness of time passing and memories fading away. Childhood and the search for a naturally inherent spirituality are other current areas of interest. Having recently discovered the world of outsider art, they feel connected to the movement as a migrant, low-income, emerging creative attempting to make work existing outside of the institutional art world.
Links to social media - Instagram @andramousapolutropon
The Word 'Home'
DESCRIPTION
A wearable sculpture part of a series called My Haunted Dollhouse, in which I merge the ideas of haunted houses with dollhouses to reflect on the themes of home, family, memories and - perhaps more loosely - my experience as an immigrant. The piece was created as an impulsive and emotional response to the word 'home'. The house is covered in blurry stock photos of families (printed on the papier-mâché structure with acetone). These are the results of a Google search, in other words embodying the most straightforward and standard representations of 'family'. In a corner of the house lies an anatomical, bleeding heart, symbolising my gut feelings related to the subject matter.
*****************
Artist name - Natalie Coe
Links to social media - www.instagram.com/natalie.coe.uk Website - www.nataliecoe.co.uk
Biography
After the birth of my daughter in 2010, I became a freelance creative specialising in photography, styling, textiles, interiors, design and writing. I have no formal qualifications in any of these areas, instead, I have immersed myself in lifelong practice and play.
I currently create multi-layered artworks that incorporate various combinations of photography, patchwork, hand-stitching, paint, pencil illustration, gold leaf and vintage textiles.
I have always felt an affinity with textiles and as a medium, it echoes the meanings within my work. Fabrics have a fugitive quality, they fade with light and time along with wear and use. They can be infinitely repaired with layers and stitches, developing their own individual story while becoming something entirely unique.
This year has felt brutal on both a global and a personal level - although it has been hard to find time and energy for creativity, I would be utterly lost without it.
Rubber Thimble
DESCRIPTION
Patchwork star - photography, eco-friendly pigment inks, organic cotton calico, chalk paint, cotton thread & colour pencil Mounted on a vintage handkerchief Utilising four of my own photographs, the images were transferred on to fabric before working in to further to create the patchwork star.
*******************
Artist name - Gordana Zagorec
Biography
My name is Gordana Zagorec, I was born in Zagreb, Croatia. When I was in school, I used to write and illustrate books and then distribute the episodes to my classmates to cheer them up. Somewhere in the 80’s I found some oil colours in my house and started to paint. I paint mainly women, animals and plants using them as mediums to depict dreams, emotions, precognitions and visions of future. The paintings also raise questions about our role in the universe, the meaning of our existence and our values in life.
Website - www.supernaive.com
Breathe in, breathe out
DESCRIPTION
Once I saw an elderly lady on TV, they asked her what the secret of her long life was. She said, just breathe in and breathe out. This painting is about the importance of breath, of simple breathing that we take for granted. It is even better to breathe if you are surrounded by beautiful birch trees, dragonflies, ladybugs and green nature. The breath is forming a lace-like protective field around the individual in the painting. No matter what happens, just breathe…
*****************
Artist name - Anthony Stevens
Links to social media - https://www.instagram.com/wabisabistar/
Website - https://candidastevens.com/artists/154-anthony-stevens/overview/
https://coag.dk/collections/anthony-stevens
Biography - I am a UK-based, self-taught textile artist. Textiles and needlework were always around me as a child. It could be said that making my work is a way to process life, both past and present. I consider my work to be strongly connected to my Buddhist practice.
I like to work with scrap fabrics. It is practical and encourages me to look creatively and perceive potential in what may seem useless or beyond repair. My creative practice, like life, can sometimes be a painstaking and frustrating process, but ultimately I feel joy and satisfaction with the result. I also work as an art project coordinator for a user-led mental health charity.
Everything Dances Around You
DESCRIPTION
A hand embroidered/appliqued/mixed textile collage. I consider this piece to be a mandala of sorts. On one had it is a meditation on death and perhaps depression. On the other, it also represents a model of the mind. The chaos of the conscious/unconscious mind is underpinned by increasing spaciousness and ultimately, liberation. For me, the main character of the monkey symbolises the chaotic nature of our minds; always leaping and lurching from one thing to the next. Photo credit Dan Stevens/Candida Stevens Gallery.
*************
Artist name - lordbitchfield
social media Instagram @lordbitchfield
Biography
Having received no formal or informal training in ‘art’, it never felt like a world I was allowed to inhabit. Growing up in east Leeds, art and creativity were frowned upon; work and getting into work was all that mattered. Getting older I understand the importance of art, creativity and self-expression for personal development, positive mental health and making sense of the world.
Photography has provided a platform for that. The postproduction picture editing process has given a dimension of creativity that otherwise I would not have considered, allowing me opportunities to remake my own world and negate the feelings of an interloper in the creative world.
Pop art, colours and multilayering are a particular interest and that is reflected in this (my first ever) submission. It is a chance to look back on my youth and provide an exhilarating augmented journey by changing the very fabric of that youngster’s universe through pictures and digital manipulation.
***************
Artist name - ORNA GEVA
social media -https://www.instagram.com/ornageva/ Website -www.gevaorna.com
Biography
In the past several years, I started to work with art consistently and "professionally", I have a small studio at home where I create it. The main topics that my art is reflecting in recent years are - first, "What do I leave for others?", mainly on the concrete level, in relation to the social and ecological environments in which we live.
I use different materials that had other purposes before and recycle them for my purposes - like old aluminum panels. In addition, I cut out my drawings (destroy them) and reuse elements and textures from it. The second topic refers to the value (perhaps too great) that we give to the art that we create and sanctify in a dynamic world where everyone creates in different ways. The way I approach this topic (at this moment), is reflected in the fact that I choose to cut and re-use parts of my art to create new art.
There’s an oxymoron in my paintings – I call it ‘Un - Naive’ naive art.
The characters and elements in the artworks seem almost childish - built out of colorful simple shapes, while sometimes the subtext of the painting is not as naive as it seems at first.
How is man different from ape?
DESCRIPTION
How is man different from ape? 99% genetic similarity and 1% wars. in the movie "The war of the Monkeys" when the monkeys gain insight into patterns Humanity" they learn to fight like humans. Maybe the insights are instilled in humans wisdom and perhaps compassion, but it turns out that sometimes it's only apparent.
**********************
Artist name - Rikardo Druškić-Jekić
Links to social media - https://www.instagram.com/rikardodruskic_art/ Website - www.rikardodruskic.com
Biography
Ricardo is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersection of mythology, technology, and the subconscious. Rejecting formal art education, he draws inspiration from his own experiences, diving into themes of free will, consciousness, and the spiritual dimensions of existence. His art, particularly the Xanthea 2502 cycle, reflects a deep connection to outsider art, with its raw, unfiltered approach to storytelling and its rejection of mainstream artistic norms. Ricardo's work blends dark, otherworldly landscapes with symbolic figures, challenging conventional ideas of beauty, truth, and human experience. Through his exploration of AI, mythology, and the inner workings of the mind, he creates immersive narratives that evoke a sense of both the familiar and the alien, drawing the viewer into a realm where anything is possible. His art is a testament to the power of personal vision and the freedom that comes from self-directed creativity.
PARTS OF THE UNKNOWN
DESCRIPTION
Acrylic on canvas. From my series xantea 2502.
*******************
Artist name - María Gordon
social media - @maria_gordon_illustration. - Website - www.maria-gordon-illustration.com
Biography
I am a self-taught Basque artist currently based in Galicia, Spain.
My work is inspired by the foggy memories of childhood, the beech forests where I spent time with my mother, religious insights, personal experiences of loss, dreams, and folklore. From this I start to create portraits and stories about creatures and landscapes from other worlds, who come to be companions along the way.
This interconnected universe allows me to take some of my personal experiences and elevate them to a sphere of myths and tales, diluting my own grief in the collective imagery.
Literature written by outsider women, or women struggling with mental health issues (Unica Zürn, Delphine de Vigan, Charlotte Perkins, Elfriede Jelinek...) has inspired me a lot over the past year, giving me courage to express myself in a bolder way. Within my illustrations, paper-cuts, dioramas and textiles, I explore hope, beliefs and inner shelter.
Little Pandemonium
DESCRIPTION
Little Pandemonium features a family tree intertwining many demons and a few saints, inspired by a childhood fascination with these biblical figures, rooted in my Catholic upbringing. Beyond that fascination, the work is a critique of the family structure and the pain that its ties often carry. The tree serves as a metaphor for the weight of familial expectations, the wounds passed down through generations, and the way these bonds can confine and scar us. I’m particularly interested in how, in folklore, these deities and figures are often portrayed as fragile and filled with weaknesses, despite the fear or reverence they inspire. This tension shaped the piece, blending the mythical with my personal reflections on suffering and connection.
***********
Artist name Mani
Links to social media -https://www.instagram.com/maniart.be/ -Website -https://maniart.be/
Biography
Mani holds an architectural degree and has always intertwined art and architecture in her creative practice. Her textured relief paintings explore themes of perception and reality, focusing on the struggles, emotions, and resilience of people, particularly women, whose stories are often overlooked.
Embracing a raw, unfiltered approach to her work, Mani strives to break free from conventional norms, allowing her art to speak directly to viewers without the constraints of formal training or societal expectations. Through her paintings, she captures hidden narratives and transforms fleeting moments into tangible expressions that invite reflection and engagement
Her art serves as a space for untold stories, offering a powerful voice to the unseen and unspoken.
Pieta
DESCRIPTION
Pieta, in the name of all the lives taken on the path to freedom and those in danger.
****************************
Artist name - Wendy Kriz Evans
social media @wendykrizevans Website https://wendykrizevans.com/
Biography
Wendy is a self-taught artist who came to the art world as an outsider after a 30-year career in the insurance industry. Armed with a maths degree and actuarial qualifications, she spent decades navigating the corporate world before rediscovering her passion for painting during a challenging period in her life. What began as a personal outlet blossomed into a vibrant artistic journey, leading Wendy to join the prestigious Lloyd’s Art Group, where her dual roles as artist and consultant uniquely intersect.
Drawing inspiration from rural landscapes and childhood memories by the sea, Wendy creates layered, textured abstract works that celebrate joy and mindfulness. Her art, rich in colour and emotion, invites viewers to share in the calming energy she experiences while painting. This November, Wendy’s work will be showcased in exhibitions across the UK, including at the iconic Lloyd’s building and galleries in Halifax, Sheffield, Suffolk, and London.
Missing the pier
DESCRIPTION
I was missing the pier from my recent holiday and from my childhood. I grew up near Southend on Sea and spent many happy hours by the sea with my windsurfer father. The lower part of the work represents the wooden boards of the pier. Piers are significant to me as Southend has the longest pleasure pier in the world which as a child was a great place to visit. I played my first ever game of bowling on Southend Pier and scored 90! I remember the feeling of sadness when we saw the news that the pier had been damaged in the late 1990s. Much later - in 2016 - I walked the pier with my now husband. I had not long before broken my 5th metatarsal (classic footballer injury) falling down some broken steps in Toronto, Canada where I was living at the time. The walk down the pier was the first time I had been on a proper walk for months. I was elated to regain my independence. The pink and black 'clouds' represent abandoned inflatables we leave behind as tourists.
*****************
Artist name Eva Marschan-Hayes
social media Instagram: @evas.poetic.imagery Website https://outsidein.org.uk/galleries/eva-marschan-hayes/
Biography
Eva Marschan-Hayes
Eva was born in 1966 in Berlin. Since 1993 she has settled in the south of England. She is an Outsider artist and poet, exploring spirituality, memory, identity and self-care.
Eva is a passionate ambassador for the artist charity Outside In who have been supporting her creative journey with ongoing training and networking opportunities. Since 2018, she has been part of a wide range of collaborative projects, including exhibitions and book publications.
From a young age Eva had a strong connection with her inner world, which she expressed through art and writing. During early adulthood her creativity helped Eva to work though childhood traumas and to visualise a world she dreamt to live in. After a long period of introspection, she became passionate about criminal justice. This led to a PhD and a short-term academic position. Eva reconnected with her artistic side again, when she became a carer for her adult daughter. To her surprise, she noticed a significant shift in her creative practice, from introspection into playful spontaneity, inspired by nature and the beauty of light. More recently she has been diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum and with ADHD, prompting her to create a series of works about her lived experiences.
Normalisation
DESCRIPTION
The work originates from a drawing I created in 1991, expressing my feelings of “not being able to be myself” I felt that institutions, including schools and hospitals, tried to make me fit in. In those days there was little understanding about neurodivergence, but I always knew that I differed from the norm. After my ASD /ADHD diagnosis (at almost 57) the theme has become relevant again. I digitally reworked the drawing and titled it: Normalisation The image is part of my series "Neurodivergent in a Neurotypical World" See my related poem submitted in the written section.
*******************
Artist name - Niita E
social media - @niita1ne
Website - www.niitae.com
Biography
Niita is a self-taught artist of Namibian heritage, shaped by an upbringing in various countries across North America, Europe, and Southern Africa. Drawing from this rich global tapestry, she explores music, photography, and writing with a distinctive perspective. Under the aliases Ninkisun and another she wishes to stay anonymous under, Niita produces music blending ambient, house, and electronic influences. She has collaborated with independent labels and artists including CDR, Soupu Music, and Soundspecies, while also participating in the 2005 Red Bull Music Academy. Based in London, her mixed media, photography, digital collages and writing delve into themes of narrative, expressive art, decolonisation and unconventional artistry. Niita’s work embodies the spirit of outsider art, defying traditional norms and institutional boundaries with authentic, innovative expressions.
Mixed Records Play E9 Velvet Fury
DESCRIPTION
Submission of first video in series https://niitae.com/mixed-record-play-e9-velvet-fury/ Mixed Records Play is a mixed-media project that merges photography and vinyl records to explore the intersection of sound and imagery - in the most random way. Drawing randomly from my vinyl collection, and intentionally avoiding traditional DJ techniques, I embraced a playful, childlike approach to layering two records simultaneously—allowing the sounds to coexist without deliberate mixing naturally. Selected soundbites from this process were paired with images taken in London and Namibia, reflecting my belief that every photograph has its own unique soundtrack. This experimental work highlights the spontaneous harmony that can be achieved through playful visual and auditory expressions.
*******************
Artist name - ANDREA MINDEL
social media - @andrea.mindel
Website - www.andreamindel.net
Biography
Andrea Mindel (b. 1963, Brakpan, South Africa) is a disabled, outsider artist exploring interdisciplinarity that spans and tensions technical hand embroidery, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, film and performance.
Mindel investigates materiality through themes of memorialisation, trauma, disability, the medicalisation of subversive behaviours - mental health, binary patriarchal norms, intersectionality, power, discrimination and humanity in the age of live-streamed genocide, all the while contemplating the precariousness of the ecological landscapes we inhabit and our disconnection from the natural world.
Mindel offers a fragile and liminal space for contemplation, making things to make you feel.
I'M STILL ALIVE YOU BASTARD, 2024
DESCRIPTION
Silkscreen on Calico, machine stitched with cotton thread
******************
Artist name -Bikebones
social media - https://www.instagram.com/bikebonesbristol/
Biography
Bikebones was trained as a bicycle framebuilder and worked as a bike mechanic until 2017. The artwork comes from upcycling materials that were discarded otherwise and the pieces are joined used the same craftmanship techniques to produce handmade bicycles.
Blue crow mandala
DESCRIPTION
This mandala is made out of recycled bicycle rotors and has a crow skull cast in resin as center of the piece. All materials were found in Bristol or the woodland around it.