About the artist
Ayesha Feisal was born in London where she is currently based. Born to Sierra Leonean parents, her first memories of art were drawing on the 70’s patterned wallpaper in the flat she lived in, making her own patterns and forms inside the mustard, orange and brown tones of the wall. Although Feisal initially pursued a non-creative path in her studies, she knew that she would ultimately pursue a career as an artist. Working in the mediums of paint and leather, Feisal began practicing art in 2002, taking an extended break before fully resuming practice again in 2012.
Sources of inspiration
Within her art, Feisal creates complex, amorous forms, drawing inspiration from the study of behaviour and the mind, whilst also exploring the effects of experience. Her work is influenced by the painting styles of the expressionist and futurist movements. Her intrigue comes from how artists of such eras depicted meaning and experience, as well as movement and time. As a result, she displays intense – and sometimes unnatural – colours as a way to heighten the emotion in her work.
Artistic intentions
Feisal’s art is reflective of her interest in psychological states and uses the human form as a means to explore the psyche. Her works have been an ongoing response to events and situations, and are influenced by her interest in consciousness, universal law, balance and truth. She is drawn to portray characters with elevated mindsets, who move beyond the impact of circumstance, environment and social condition. Her recent work explores personal transition and the philosophy of inner transformation.
“Art is where we discover and express our humanity; a place where we find a language to share our ideas and our emotions. It has the responsibility of helping society deal with its conflicts and contradictions. As an artist, I see it as my role to facilitate this” – Ayesha Feisal
Education:
BA (Hons) Graphic Fine Art
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Exhibition History:
2019 ArtX Lagos (Tafeta/BBFA) Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
2019 No Room For Fear, Hogan Lovells LLP in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Enam Gbewonyo and SMO Contemporary Art (Nigeria), Holborn, London
2019 Transitions, Tafeta Gallery, Fitzrovia, London
2019 The Next Wave: The Power of Authenticity and Self Validation (HAART), Hoxton Arches, London
2018 BBFA Presents/, Tafeta Gallery, Fitzrovia, London
2018 Dakar Biennale, OFF Dak’Art, GoST group show, Douta Seck Cultural Centre, Dakar, Senegal
2018 1:54 Contemporary Art Fair ‘Off The Tracks’ (Little Africa/ Des Gosses), Marrakech, Morocco
2017 African Culture and Design Festival (Gallery of Small Things), Federal Palace, Lagos, Nigeria
2017 ‘A Seat At The Table’, BBFA collective group show, 198 Gallery, London
2016 ‘Formation’, Camden Image Gallery, London
2016 Art Meets Music, Hoxton Gallery, London
2016 Black British Female Artist (B.B.F.A) Discussion Forum, Lacey Contemporary, UK
2015 Vision To Reality, TedX, Euston, UK
2015 AACDD Festival, Bargehouse Gallery, Oxo Tower, London
2014 Through The Kaleidoscope’, Islington, London
2013 Cork Street Open exhibition, Mayfair, London
2013 Art of Tottenham, 639 Studios, London, UK
2013 Mokspace Gallery, Bloomsbury, London
2012 Art of Tottenham, 639 Studios, London, UK
2012 Figure Black,Brixton, London
