From three very different practices each of the Pretty Vacant artists have arrived at a communality of purpose. Starting from the position of the 'unthinking mechanical process of making' a presupposed blankness of purpose, their lo-fi methods reveal an interest in the 'beautifully banal'. Resulting in work which shows a quiet passion for their subject matter, a romantic engagement with narrative and an inexplicable thrill in the mundane.
Nina Ogden uses obsessive detail culled from eggs, bees and tadpoles to create surreal characters that confuse perceptions of space and metaphysical opposites. Keara Stewart delicately displays in deadpan drawing and sculpture her fascination with the unknown stories left behind in architecture. Rachel Potts uses a blank detachment to counteract prettiness in the painted surface and check the suggestion of fantasy.
Rachel Potts graduated from Bath Spa School of Art in 2005. Recent shows include Spectre Vs. Rector at The Residence, The Creekside Open X 2 at APT Gallery , 33% Pork at The Empire Gallery.
Since graduating from Wimbledon School of Art, Nina Ogden has exhibited at The Centre for Drawing, Wimbledon and the Prospects Drawing Prize. She was recently awarded second prize in Re:Drawing, Oriel Davies, Wales.
Keara Stewart graduated from Camberwell College of Arts in 2007. Recent shows include That's Entertainment, Whitstable Biennale Satellite Programme and the?Tam Tam Festival, Netherlands.
Each of the Pretty Vacant artists have at some time been connected with the running of the Transition Gallery.
