Brixton based artist Venetia Berry paints the nude female figure through an abstracted lens, simplifying the form using pure line. She aims to reverse the male gaze, challenging the archetypical sexualised female nude. Whimsical, organic and full of curves, her nudes aim to capture the essence of everywomen, devoid of race, status, size and class. Each figure is portrayed sitting in an ethereal and dreamlike setting with a pastel coloured palette; giving her work a distinct and recognisable style.
www.venetiaberry.com
What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to paint, draw, etch, create and call it my job! My favourite
days in the studio are the ones where I have no meetings or visitors and I can
potter around and get through my to-do list. I love my studio, although I do live
separately, I think mixing the two would drive me mad. I also love meeting
other artists and creatives.
Where's your favourite hangout?
I love walking around Brockwell Park on a Sunday and ending up wandering
around Herne Hill market, finished off by a glass of wine or a pint or two at
The Florence. I also just love hanging out in my flat with a few friends over. I
love cooking for people.
What's top of your playlist right now?
I am going through more of a podcast/audible obsession at the moment. I
have a lot of ear time in the studio! Podcasts I love are Table Manners, The
High Low, Talking Tastebuds, Desert Island Discs, Love Stories, Happy
Place. I am currently listening to Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ on Audible.
What's your most loved piece in your wardrobe?
Definitely one of my Paloma Wool suits. I love the brand and their aesthetic.
They have such a cult following, and I am definitely a member of the cult!
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Far too many! I am a real hoarder but I tend to rotate between about 3 pairs
for day-to-day wear.
What do your Rogues say about you?
I love wearing beautiful colours; I have recently embraced wearing a much
brighter palette, which I guess coincides with the direction my paintings have
gone in too. I do often find myself wearing and painting the same colours! I
love my pear drops and I think they reflect my playful side. My friends tell me
that I can be surprising, so maybe they bring that side out of me too!