Australian Female Artists To Watch: Kirsty Neilson
As somebody who prefers to work in solace, she finds peace and tranquility in working from isolated areas where she can connect with nature and allow the intuitive process of her mark-making to take over.
The power of storytelling has been ingrained in human culture for centuries, and it is through these stories that we connect with each other and the world around us. The act of expression, whether it is through writing, music, or painting, is driven by the desire to create a narrative that resonates enough to move an audience to act, inspire and inform. For Kirsty Neilson, this is the driving force behind her art.
A graduate of the highly prestigious, National Art School, Kirsty’s work shows a fine-tuned technicality, evident with skilled training. But, her work is also imbued with a deep sense of humanity and compassion to her subject. Her artistic talents have been recognized through numerous prestigious Australian art prizes, including selection as a finalist in the Archibald Prize, Portia Geach Memorial Award, Darling Portrait Prize, and the Mosman Art Prize.
As somebody who prefers to work in solace, she finds peace and tranquility in working from isolated areas where she can connect with nature and allow the intuitive process of her mark-making to take over. Painting en plein air near the South Coast of NSW, her landscape paintings reflect similarities to the lush and colourful landscape paintings of the Impressionists.
As an ambassador for the Barbara May Foundation, which works to provide healthcare services to mothers and babies in rural Africa, Kirsty's heart beats for justice, women, and those less fortunate. She has been involved in several humanitarian projects, including multiple builds in Uganda and working with girls rescued from sex trafficking in Cambodia.
Through these experiences, Kirsty has been moved to use her art to shed light on important global issues. Her portraits are imbued with meaning as she chooses subjects who share her principles. Grace Tame, Ita Buttrose, Andrew Quilty and Valerie Browning, just to name a few. More than just aesthetically pleasing, her portraits tell stories of justice and truth that resonate with her audience. Her art serves as a reminder that we are all connected, and that the misfortunes of those who share our world must not be ignored.
Her skilful use of colour and technique has earned her a reputation as a fine portrait and landscape artist, but it is her heart for justice, equality, and those less fortunate that truly sets her apart. The power of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions and spark conversations. Through her paintings, Kirsty hopes to shed light on important global issues and inspire others to take action. She uses her art as a platform to advocate for those who need to be heard, bringing awareness to untouched topics and inspiring others to act. Kirsty's art is a testament to the idea that it is how we leave the world around us that matters. She is using her talents and platform to make a positive impact, and her art serves as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. Kirsty's hope is that her art will inspire others to see the world differently, to feel a sense of empathy for those who are less fortunate, and to take action to make the world a better place.
Kirsty is represented by Nanda Hobbs, Sydney.
Links: https://kirstyneilson.com
Written by Joey Hespe for Oh Yes Her
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