Iona Schwalowsky-Monks BA (Hons) Fine Art 2020

There is a striking resemblance between the act of love and the ministrations of a torturer.

Angela Carter

My practice is heavily informed by the magical realism of folk tales. Inspiration is drawn from the whimsy and fantasy of the tales, as well as their violence and cruelty to create pieces rich in both narrative and symbolism. These narratives are never explicit however, they are purposefully vague, open to interpretation and ready for the viewer to fill with meaning. Frequently pieces have a contradictory atmosphere, often tenderness is displayed but there is the sense of an underlying threat. The use of animal imagery is integral to the work as the creatures act as instruments through which human nature can be explored. The work deals with themes of the uncanny and magical realism, seeking to be as beguiling as it is disquieting.