Emily Kirby

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Emerging Artist
Emily Kirby

UK-based Emily Kirby is a painter celebrated for her abstract contemporary art, which often portrays figures in domestic scenes and natural landscapes. Having lived in different countries, including Zambia, Spain and New Zealand, her works conveys a profound sense of place and environment.

The artist’s African-inspired art embodies a deep connection to the landscapes and cultural motifs she frequently revisits, creating a visual language that reflects her sensitivity to the places that have shaped her identity.

Emily Kirby’s Artistic Journey and African Inspirations

Born into a family of artists in Zambia, Emily Kirby spent her early childhood immersed in the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural traditions of Africa. These formative experiences deeply influence her artistic vision, with her colour palette and themes reflecting the earthy tones and dynamic environments of her upbringing.

Kirby’s paintings serve as a medium to explore themes of identity and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Her African heritage is a recurring source of inspiration, shaping the emotional and symbolic depth of her work.

Exploring Emily Kirby’s Bold and Abstract Style

Emily Kirby’s paintings are an exploration in colour and form. She uses combinations of layered block colours to form her, often sculptural, subjects. Her bold colour art and experimental attitude to abstraction allows the viewer to engage with the raw and authentic energy of the subjects. The figures in Kirby’s portrait paintings appear to emerge from the canvas, inviting viewers to interpret the emotional resonance within each piece.

By integrating contemporary techniques with African influences, the artist offers a unique perspective. Emily Kirby’s paintings retain a modern sensibility, with her approach to colour reflecting the Fauvist movement. Natural skin tones are highlighted by unexpected colours, creating a striking contrast that enhances the psychological depth of her portraits. This fusion of modern abstraction and vibrant, culturally rooted colours gives her work a distinctive contemporary edge.

One notable example is Studio Visit (2024), an acrylic on wood canvas. The carefully modelled contemplative face is offset by a shock of pink hair which draws the viewer in, evoking the sitter’s personality.

Notable Exhibitions and Contemporary Art Contributions

Emily Kirby’s paintings have been showcased in international exhibitions across London, Lusaka, Dubai, New York, Prague, and Valladolid. Her participation in key art fairs and exhibitions underscores her growing global presence and recognition.

The artist’s growing prominence in the contemporary art scene is evident in the expanding number of collections featuring her work. Through her international exhibitions and collaborations, Kirby has firmly established herself as an influential figure in African contemporary art, offering a compelling voice in the global art narrative.

Emily Kirby Artworks

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    Under the Canopy by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Under the Canopy by Emily Kirby
    Under the Canopy
    Paintings - 30x24 cm
    Mornings at the Cottage by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Mornings at the Cottage by Emily Kirby
    Mornings at the Cottage
    Paintings - 40x30 cm
    Gipsy by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Gipsy by Emily Kirby
    Gipsy
    Paintings - 30x22 cm
    Studio Visit by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Studio Visit by Emily Kirby
    Studio Visit
    Paintings - 15x15 cm
    Bathers III by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Bathers III by Emily Kirby
    Bathers III
    Prints - 84x59 cm
    Secret Garden by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Secret Garden by Emily Kirby
    Secret Garden
    Prints - 59x42 cm
    Siesta by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Siesta by Emily Kirby
    Siesta
    Prints - 84x59 cm
    After Party by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    After Party by Emily Kirby
    After Party
    Paintings - 120x100 cm
    Tessie by Emily Kirby
    View in a room interior
    Tessie by Emily Kirby
    Tessie
    Paintings - 40x30 cm
    View in a room interior
    Boat House by Emily Kirby
    Boat House
    Paintings - 40x60 cm
    View in a room interior
    Summers in El Palmar by Emily Kirby
    Summers in El Palmar
    Paintings - 120x100 cm
    View in a room interior
    Night Swim by Emily Kirby
    Night Swim
    Paintings - 43x33 cm
    View in a room interior
    Costa by Emily Kirby
    Costa
    Paintings - 59x42 cm
    View in a room interior
    Figures at Dawn by Emily Kirby
    Figures at Dawn
    Paintings - 100x120 cm

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