Biography
Veena Purchon is a UK artist based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Purchon studied International Politics [MA] in 2008/09 and has since worked in the UK public sector.
She explores the realms and depths of water primarily through abstract expressionism and impressionism and is influenced by equity and social justice which is reflected in her works through colour and context.
Purchon delves into the intersection between reality and imagination, the space between what can and cannot be seen and it is the juxtaposition between the abundance and absence of water that her work aims to respond to. She attempts to bring a voice to marginalised people and communities who are often hidden or forgotten in our everyday existence.
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Recent exhibitions include the D31 Art Prize with D31 Art Gallery; Humans and the Environment with Cista Arts; and the SHIM Social Justice Network exhibitions in Bridgeport, USA and Berlin, Germany.
Artist Statement
Water, nature, and time compound my canvases and while these ideas are intertwined, they can often be at conflict with one another, this is because although we need water to live, it is also the antithesis of our survival.
My inspiration is rooted in a desire to see a world where poverty does not exist, and where people have access to clean water with good infrastructure in place to achieve this. My work is ultimately driven by the need for a positive shift within a social context and my paintings therefore explore themes of water poverty; social equity; and changing ecosystems.
My aim is to communicate the narrative within my work whilst engaging in meaningful dialogue. I envision my work raising awareness about the social, political, and ecological change needed to break the cycle of dirty water and the very real impact this is having worldwide.