Hollie O'Brien Hampshire, United Kingdom

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I am a Hampshire based figurative painter exploring contemporary representations of the female form. My work reinterprets historical imagery, challenging traditional depictions of women in art. Using bold colour and expressive brushwork, I aim to reframe past narratives and invite viewers to reconsider how the female body has been portrayed across different periods.

I am a Hampshire-based figurative painter and currently a Graduate in Residence at Chapel Arts. With a first-class honours degree from Arts University Bournemouth, my practice explores evolving representations of the female nude, blending art historical influences with personal narratives.

My work challenges traditional depictions of the female body, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive portrayal. By reinterpreting historical imagery, particularly Victorian-era French postcards, I highlight how women’s representations have been shaped, controlled, and often distorted over time. Originally intended as artist references, these images became stigmatized, and many of the women depicted lost control over their own likenesses. Through large-scale, expressive paintings, I reframe these images, shifting the focus from objectification to agency.

Reflections and layered compositions play a key role in my work, exploring themes of perception and autonomy. The figures in my paintings engage the viewer directly, disrupting the passive roles traditionally assigned to them. Bold colour contrasts and gestural brushwork add a sense of urgency, reinforcing their presence rather than reducing them to objects of observation.

By reworking and reimagining historical depictions, I encourage a dialogue between past and present, inviting viewers to reconsider how the female form has been portrayed throughout history. My practice is about reclaiming space, challenging outdated narratives, and fostering a more inclusive conversation about representation in art.