Alexandra Roddan
Alexandra is a visual artists based in Oxford, UK.
Alexandra Roddan is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22
Alexandra Roddan (b.1994) is an artist based in Oxford who graduated from The University of Edinburgh with a BA Painting Honors Degree in 2017 and then went on to study at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy for three years. She has exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy, most notably at the New Contemporaries Exhibition, and has work in their permanent collection. Alexandra’s work has also been shown at the Academy’s Annual exhibition multiple times. In 2018 she was awarded the John Kinross Scholarship to study in Florence.
Alexandra’s cityscapes are paintings that transport you to a space. They allow you to experience different cities in a multi-faceted way. The shapes, textures, colour and geometry of the buildings, sky, water, people and vehicles create static and fluid images. Colour is key to encapsulating the energy, emotion and vibration of a place. The paintings are of densely layered forms, popping up and below one another.
Grace Aneiza Ali
Curator
“Alexandra Roddan compels us to examine the simultaneous precariousness and beauty of our built world. Her abstract architectures of cities evoke a sense of wonder and awe of the modern world. They also require us to examine our simultaneous monumental or miniscule place in it. Yet, a closer look, particularly of the works’ vibrancy and density, asks us to grapple with the consequences of this beautiful yet uncontained chaos as we continue to live in world that only knows to build and build and build.”
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
How did you get started as an artist?
I have always wanted to be an artist. My bachelors degree at The University of Edinburgh helped me to develop my artistic voice and led me to exhibiting at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
A balance between chaos and control. Some aspects are planned and others are free. Painting for me is a reactive process. The painting is realised through the act of making.
Alexandra Roddan’s studio
And how about what inspires you?
Music, art, colour, architecture. How humans interact in urban spaces. But also aspects from day to day life which subconsciously merge into my practice.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?
Work/ life balance. The business side of art.
Alexandra Roddan working at her studio
Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.
Long and messy.
Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?
Yes! I would like to start experimenting with oil paint and paint on aluminium surfaces.
What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?
Currently I am working on a series of paintings of Oxford- to hopefully exhibit later on in the year.
How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?
I am very grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work and connect with other artists!
Anything else you want to add?
Thanks again!
See more of Alexandra’s work
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