I am delighted to have this new work selected for Interstitial at The Safehouse, Peckham.

Having recently exhibited this self-portrait in The National Portrait Gallery, it’s interesting to present a redacted version, reflecting the non-fixity of reveal and conceal, the push and pull when dealing with the personal. While researching this work, I discovered Virginia Woolf’s theory of killing the Angel in the house in Lauren Elkins’ book Art Monsters. The need to create from the gut without pleasing others resonates with the process of making this work. I have felt myself led by the work, to see myself more clearly and to connect back with my body, from which I felt severed. There is a journey in the work, a lone battle, with no one else on the field but me.  I am the Angel that needs to be killed or at least get out of the way. The Safehouse has such a prominent character with its dilapidated walls the work changed from the white walls of my studio. The polaroid’s in conversation with the colours, traces, and imprints of previous shows. The location of The Safehouse adds a layer to the work, reflecting time vulnerability and the wear and tear of life.

It’s been really fun to let the work out of hibernation into the world.