The official Election Artist for the 2019 General Election has been named as Nottingham born artist Nicky Hirst. Over the next month she will observe and follow the campaign trail and election result, before creating a unique piece of art for the Parliamentary Art Collection.
Known for working in a variety of media, Hirst often references history, people and places in her work, drawing inspiration from observation, conversation and found objects.
The Maidstone College of Art and KIAD graduate has exhibited at various high profile institutions, including at Courtauld Gallery, Coventry Biennial, Exeter Phoenix, Imperial War Museum, Royal Academy of Arts and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
She also recently created a series of twelve artworks made in response to observing the day-to-day life of Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Commenting on her appointment, Hirst said: “I want to be as honest and transparent as possible about what I see as I immerse myself in this world. In my work, I’m often more interested in questions than in answers and I see my role as an artist to point at things and further examine processes.”
The artist was appointed by the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art, which aims to develop the Parliamentary Art Collection by acquiring works that depict issues and individuals of particular historical significance to Parliament.
Melissa Hamnett, Head of Heritage Collections and Curator of Works of Art, UK Parliament, added: “Elections are vital moments in the political history of the nation, and have been the subject of paintings and engravings since the 18th century. Nicky will continue the tradition, illustrating not only politics, but the society and culture of our time.”
Hirst is the sixth official Election Artist, with previous artists including: Cornelia Parker (2017), Adam Dant (2015), Simon Roberts (2010), David Godbold (2005) and Jonathan Yeo (2001).
The 2019 General Election will take place on Thursday 12 December 2019. For more information, visit: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-49826655
The deadline for voter registration is 23:59 GMT on 26 November 2019. Find out more about registering online here www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Follow Nicky Hirst Election Artist 2019 on Instgram
Images:
1. © Nicky Hirst
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