Born in 1982, Vanessa’s work initially focused on portraiture and in developing a language of oil painting through both commissions and her own subjects. These themes ranged from narrative storytelling, male nudes, dancers, also performance collaborations with choreographers. In 2020 her practice shifted to include acrylics and ceramics, working in these new mediums to build a world where more personal themes could be explored. These paintings observe contemporary women, giving weight and value to moments or feelings that are perhaps awkward or unseen. They are fragments of the artist’s memories and imagination, often using satire to express an empathy and compassion for conflicting emotions, taking an unapologetic look at what it feels like to grow up in London.
Recent exhibitions inlcude, 'Conversation Piece- In A Light Breeze/In Una Brezza Leggera', Fondazione Memmo, Rome, Italy; 'Vessel' OHSH Projects, London; 'Present tense', Hauser & Wirth Somerset; PMAM Gallery, London; 'Poison' OHSH Projects; 'Small is Beautiful' Flowers Gallery London; 'BP Portrait Award', National Portrait Gallery, London; performance 'Dancing Lines' Royal Opera House, Paul Hamlyn Hall, London; 'And is it true' Rooke and Raven, London.