My work - Blanche Magazine

This term I have been thinking about the way in which I present my art, particularly during the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Traditional exhibitions and galleries just aren't possible now, and for me personally, creating one in my own bedroom and sharing either via live-streaming or taking photographs simply isn't the same. Therefore, instead of trying to replicate the things I did pre-COVID, I have decided to adapt and change the way in which I showcase my works, in order to align with our new way of living.

Digital art is the easiest style of art for me to produce right now. I can hardly fit a chair in my university bedroom, let alone dozens of canvases and multiple paintbrushes, required to create a painting. I can simply pick up my Ipad, and draw via programmes downloaded. Not only is this extremely relevant to the modern, technological world we are living in, but also the coronavirus restrictions we are faced with, within it. However, I wanted a way to display these drawings which emphasises their simplistic style, and frames them with similar aesthetics and tones. A collage would take away the minimalist approach I take, so instead, I thought about placing them into a magazine. This not only allows me to create a backstory around them, but link them together and produce an overall piece. Magazines are a perfect right now, as they can be accessed both digitally and physically, making them appeal to a wider audience.

The theme of 'Blanche' is food - affordable, vegetarian food. This is something I am extremely passionate about, and it was really fun to write about this, and place it alongside art I had produced, and graphics I had made. I struggled at first, with trying to teach myself how to use the programme, but I am really glad that I persevered as the outcome is flawless and really professional looking. Moreover, knowing how to use it, will be a valuable skill in the future. 'Blanche', to me, is more of an installation art piece, than a magazine. It showcases my illustrations, my graphic skills, artistic vision, and portrays a message. It is simply a new way to display art, which effortlessly fits into the lifestyle 'stay-at-home' commands. 'Blanche' is also a multi-media piece, showcasing photography, digital drawing and various graphics, from headings to aesthetic elements.