NARA WALKER

My artistic practice delves into the intricacies of the human experience, specifically through a feminist lens. I am driven by a desire to unravel the interconnected patterns within identity, philosophy, social constructs, chaos and order, and the act of metamorphosis. I explore this through keen observations and extensive research and intuitively express subjective and broader themes connecting humanity, such as trauma, courage, oppression, mythology, freedom, autonomy, and pleasure.

Visually expressionistic, my practice encompasses oil painting, performance art/happenings (inspired by the performance art Butoh,) video and sound art, contemporary drawing and my writings. Recently, to capture the intricate details of the Goddess Persephone and her journey, as seen through a contemporary lens, I experimented with cyanotype printing ('A Return to Kore' Mine Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul), merging my skills as a painter, photographer, and performer to create life-size prints using both my body and the elements of the natural world. I continue to explore this medium to discuss the experience of 'the soul's journey' through the cycle of birth-life-death-rebirth.

My multidisciplinary approach and unwavering dedication to feminist perspectives catalyse and challenge societal norms, insisting on gender equity. Raw, honest, and expressive, my art sparks meaningful dialogues and invites viewers into the depths of the human condition and to critically examines prevailing narratives.

In recent years, my commitment to combating gender-based violence has led me to take legal action against the Icelandic state under the Istanbul Convention at the European Court of Human Rights. I currently await the outcomes of two crucial cases that have significantly influenced the themes explored in my work. These experiences have fuelled my determination to express and create diverse standpoints, particularly concerning the universality of complex issues such as post-traumatic stress and the right to defend our (women's) bodies.

To further enhance my ability to communicate such complex subjects, I have engaged in physical theatre practices and, more recently, workshops centred around 'Theatre of the Oppressed'.These immersive experiences have provided me with new tools and techniques to effectively convey to and engage with audiences interested in exploring these intricate topics.

Through my evocative artworks and commitment to feminist contemporary narrative, I strive to ignite conversations, challenge the status quo and advocate for feminine narratives to be seen and heard. By delving into the depths of the human condition, such as Jungian theories on the shadow, collective consciousness, subconscious, the Anima and Animus, I aim to inspire viewers to question dominant narratives and embrace diverse outlooks, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equal world.