Michelle Watson originally studied theatre design before graduating with a Fine Art degree with honours in 2009. The diversity of scale and the use of different mediums over the years gave her a broad concept of materials. It became apparent of her obsession with the female form and its complexities of hormonal structure. Having gone through five pregnancies and experiencing not only mood swings but permanent skin scarring, she wanted to relate to real women with real bodies. Jenny Saville was a huge inspiration at this time.
She isolates the figures bringing an intensity that reflects what the women feel during hormonal periods. In using the raw canvas there is softness to the brush strokes, contradicting the poses and often the colouration.
Exhibitions
Jan 2019 : Herrick Gallery, Mayfair, London
Jan 2019 : Art Below, Hyde Park, London
Oct 2018 : Anemoi Art, Mayfair, London
Oct 2018 : Art Below, Regents Park, London
Aug 2018 : Artel “Elemental” Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester
May 2018 : “Unspoken”, Stash Gallery, Vout-O-Reenee’s, London
May 2018 : Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester
Dec 2017 : Sweet ‘Art “Naughty & Nice”, Espacio Gallery, London
Dec 2017 : WSAS Exhibition 2017, Collonade Gallery, Worthing
Sep 2017 : Sweet 'Art Exhibition, Tanner Street, London
Jun 2017 : London International Artists Competition, HLS Gallery, London
May 2017 : Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester
Dec 2016 : Open 16, Norwood Gallery, Worthing
Nov 2016 : West Sussex Art Society Exhibition, The Studio, Worthing
Jun 2016 : "Retrospective", Oxmarket, Chichester
Apr 2016 : Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester
Sep 2015 : "Small is Beautiful", Arundel Museum, Arundel
Jun 2015 : Summer Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester
Apr 2015 : Art Trail Open Studios Preview, Oxmarket, Chichester
Dec 2014 : "Journeys", Oxmarket, Chichester
Oct 2014 : Autumn Exhibition, The Studio, Worthing
May 2014 : Summer Exhibition, Oxmarket, Chichester
May 2014 : Juliet Pannet Award, Oxmarket, Chichester
Sep 2013 : Stride Open, Oxmarket, Chichester
Apr 2010 : Worcester Open, Worcester
Jun 2009 : Degree Show, Chichester University, Chichester
Awards and Prizes
Nov 2016 : Juliet Pannet Award, First Prize
Oct 2015 : Pre-selected for the Columbia Threadneedle Prize, London
May 2014 : Juliet Pannet Award, First Prize, selected and presented by Philip Jackson
Apr 2014 : Artist "Best in Show", Chichester Art Trail
Sep 2013 : The Stride Cup, winner of Stride Open
Education
BA(Hons) Fine Art, Chichester University