A recent work by Miranda Forrester.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Next Big Things: Miranda Forrester
The British artist’s delicate paintings portray queer women with poignant intimacy
British figurative painter Miranda Forrester turns the history of men painting naked women on its head with her intimate works, which sometimes spill over the frame and onto the walls behind them. Empty portions of the canvas are not only beautiful moments but also poignant commentary on feeling invisible.
Miranda Forrester. Photo: Lara Forrester
Subject matter: “I explore the figure, in particular the Black woman’s body, from the female and queer perspective and challenge relationships between women—friendships, sexual, community. Being together and feeling at one in a community at once.”
Miranda Forrester, Abode (Tropical), 2021. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Creative Process: “I start by doing loads of live drawings—either with a sitter or going into people’s homes. Later,I decide which ones I want to translate painting. I think of them as a drawing on paint because I love working with line, and I also subtly weave in images from other artists and films.”
Breakthrough moment: “In 2019, I participated in BBZ, an alternative graduate show of artists from Black and queer backgrounds.”
Up next: “At November’s Art X Lagos, I showed a body of work on kinship and wider beliefs of community. I also have a group show at Gillian Jason Gallery in early December.”
Miranda Forrester, Naked Truths (Sara), 2019. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
“I am drawn to how Miranda’s delicate paintings portray queer women with such intimacy and authenticity.”
Eva Langret, artistic director, Frieze London
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2021 Winter Issue under the headline “Next Big Things.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: A recent work by Miranda Forrester.
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
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