Biography
“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”
-Michelangelo.
I am a British Feminist and figurative painter. Born and raised in London, I assess British and Feminine identity by looking into popular culture and history, creating narratives through portraiture. My vision as a deep thinker is to open up a new lens in which Black British identities are viewed, causing people to examine how popular culture’s prerequisites shape us. I seeks to explore the chasm between clashing cultures existing in London, such as traditional 'high art' and 'street art'.
I am British| Afro-Caribbean; 50% Jamaican and 50% Sierra Leone.
Like girls today, I tried to change because of western popular culture’s strong influence, but at times my family’s cultural music or art can be a stronghold,binding me to traditions that take away instead of adds value to my walk of identity.When people say, ‘so you must listen to bashment’, I say ‘no’. When people say,‘so you must like R&B and hip-hop’, I feel offended. I don’t even like bashment, neither do I listen to reggae. I will not always be making art about the figurative black woman and all her curves, as black women, we have already been exoticized by European art.
My vision as an artist is to create a unique style engineered from existing ideas,causing young artists to assess how pop culture’s prerequisites add or takeaway from their individual mark in the art world.
CV
Glory Sam-jolly
Born 1997 – Lewisham– London
Lives and studies in London
Learning Department Tour Guide Intern:
Royal Naval College – Greenwich London – June to July 2013
Learning department – touring school visitors, home schooled students and international tourists around the painted halls, Cutty Sark and chapel. This included personal demonstrations of life drawings with students.
EDUCATION:
Wimbledon College of Arts UAL
2017 to 2020
Art student studying BA Fine Art: Painting
The National Gallery| Degazine:
Leicester Square – London – 2020
My artwork exhibited at the Degazine event and published in The National Gallery’s ‘Degazine’ zine, which has also been published internationally.
Yinka Shonibare| Studio Intern
South Bermondsy –London – Spring 2019
Curating with Kitty Beamish who oversees a studio of a renown British & Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare; curating for summer shows and future shows.
EXHIBITIONS:
Open Dialogue| Afro Caribbean Exhibition
Central Saint Martins – London – March 2018
Hosted by Graphic Design Professor, Kelly Walters; a collaborate exhibition with Afro-Caribbean UAL artists studying in London. My art works ‘Timed’ and ‘Girl under construction were exhibited.
Elizabeth James Gallery| 2nd Anniversary
Norwood Junction – London– December 2018
My art works ‘Timed’ and ‘Girl under construction exhibited at Elizabeth James Gallery's 2nd anniversary.
Copeland Gallery| The State of Things
Copeland Park & Bussey Building – London – October 2019
For the UAL Arts Union’s Black History Month, ‘The State of Things’, my series of paintings ‘Dear Archives’ was exhibited
For Colored Girls| The Alke-Bulan Collective
University of East London – London – October 2019
My short series of oil paintings ‘Woman in Suits’, was exhibited, as well as an oil painting ‘Blue Batik Goddess’
AWARDS:
Prunella Clough prize (nominee)
Tate – London – June 2019
The award is in honour of artist and WCA lecturer, Prunella Clough