My work is about playing around with, and combining, different styles and images and methods of production; often using them as a metaphor for the human condition, with attraction and mortality and the transience of existence being key themes. I use various cultural references and signifiers as a symbolic language, while at the same absorbing and processing the myriad of possibilities on offer. I’m interested in the blending of conscious and unconscious ideas through which an overall narrative can be observed.
With my current ‘apple’ series I use the archetypal image of a bitten apple as a metaphor for temptation and attraction, and as a symbol of the ‘biting of the apple’ of technology and technological advances; especially with regard to the exponential advances of AI and the possibility of it becoming self-aware. The apples are painted to look artificially appealing, combining still life with a pop art sensibility.
I was born in Torquay, South Devon, and now live in Crouch End, North London. I initially forged a career in music, touring extensively and playing festivals such as Reading Festival and V Festival and working for acts such as Underworld and trip-hop pioneers Tricky and Portishead; whilst also having been signed to Virgin Records and having my music used in film and television productions. I then went on to receive an FDA with distinction in fine art from Plymouth University and a BA Hons in fine art from London Metropolitan. I have exhibited work in various exhibitions and institutions including the Royal College of Art and the Royal Academy.
CV
Education
Plymouth University (Exeter campus): FDA with distinction in fine art.
London Metropolitan University: BA Hons in fine art
Exhibitions
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London W1J – 2023
Art On A Postcard, Gathering W1B
‘This Year’s Model part 2’ Studio 1 Gallery, London E2
‘This Years Model’ Studio 1 Gallery, London E2
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London W1J
‘Flux’ Royal Collage of Art, Kensington SW7
‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ HTH Arts Centre, London N8
HTH Arts Centre (In house artist), London N8
‘Artist of the Month’ - The Cave Wall, Pimlico , London SW1V
Art* Affordable Art Fair, Battersea London SW11
TriSpace Gallery, Bermondsey SE16
APT Gallery, London SE8
‘Seen The Unseen’ North London YM
CA N8
La Galleria Pall Mall - LLST and AFT open finals London SW1
The Queens - Contemporary paintings by Lee Knott, London N8
Art* AAF Battersea, London SW16
‘Q&A’ Cass Art, Islington N1
Original Gallery ‘Art for Ark’s Sake’ London N8
Vibe Gallery, London SE16
‘The Other Art Fair’ Old Truman Brewery London E1
‘Head’ Zoon1 Islington, London N1
‘Of Special Interest Presents...‘ London N8
‘Ought To Be Bought’ The Parker Gallery London E1
‘Heist’ The Wallspace Gallery London N1
‘Pop Up-Leila X’ London N8
‘Trans-Am’ The Wallspace Gallery London N1
‘Sir John Cass Summer Show’ London E1
‘Avant Premiere’ Arbeit Gallery London EC1
Additional Information
Previous artist assistant to Royal Academy academician Danny Rolph. Framing consultant for: Tate Modern, The Barbican, Stephen Friedman Gallery, Flowers Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery and many more. Unseen Sketchbooks interview. Palette Pages interview. Camden Council art project facilitator.