Art
Polly Nor's art depicts girls and their demons
The London-based illustrator's new exhibition It’s Called Art Mum, Look It Up explores what it means to be a 21st Century woman. Sign up below to attend an exclusive private view led by Polly herself.
There’s no mistaking the artwork of Polly Nor. The London-based illustrator’s work is funny, dark and utterly frank – pastel-shaded images of women and their demons that give a wry and relatable glimpse into the life of a 21st Century woman.
Cut It Off
© Polly Nor
A Real Woman, Polly Nor
© Polly Nor
Couldn't Crop It Out
© Polly Nor
Face 2 Face
© Polly Nor
Now Polly has teamed up with Red Bull Studios London for her second solo exhibition, which will take place at Protein Studios in Shoreditch from August 18-22. “Because this new body of work is probably my most weird work yet I decided to call it It’s Called Art Mum, Look It Up,” says Polly. “I’ve received a lot of messages from teenage girls saying that they wanted to buy a print or a get a tattoo of one of my pieces but their mum wouldn’t let them because they thought my art was inappropriate.”
Polly will be leading an exclusive private view on Monday August 21. The ballot for tickets is now closed.
Read on for an exclusive interview with Polly.
Hi Polly. Is there a theme behind this exhibition – anything that ties these pieces together…?
Polly: One recurring theme I notice when looking at my recent work is the struggle for self-acceptance. I often draw the demon character coming out of their human skins and removing themselves from the pressures and expectations of the outside world. I’ve also been developing this idea through my new sculpture work “shedding skins” which features a collection of ‘human’ skins that I’ve made out of latex, inspired by my illustration Be You But Better.
When did you start making art? Did your style come to you easily, or did you have to work a lot at creating an aesthetic?
I didn’t really set out to create a particular aesthetic. I guess it just developed over time. I’ve always drawn a lot since I was a child. I used to draw girls all over my schoolbooks and paint them on my bedroom walls. The style of the characters has progressed and changed over the years, but they have definitely stuck.
Social media means you no longer have to be represented by a gallery for people to see your work
Demons and devils crop up throughout your work – when did you start using them? While they are obviously connected with anxiety, the demons themselves seem to be having an uncomplicated good time, free of hang-ups – are they a reflection of our true selves?
I started drawing them about three years ago now. I enjoy the limitation using the same two characters every time and creating something new. The meaning behind the demons varies from piece to piece but usually I draw them as a manifestation of her emotional state. Sometimes they’re menacing and destructive but then at times they’re comforting and supportive.
It’s evident that people – especially young women – relate really strongly to your artwork. Are there any images in particular that have really connected or touched a nerve?
I guess the most popular image would be the CBA 2 Pretend No More the one where the devil is half peeled out of its human skin kicking back, smoking a fag and drinking a beer. That print sold out really quickly and loads of people have had it tattooed. Funnily enough when I first did that piece I almost didn’t share it online but I’m glad I did because it’s definitely the one that everybody seems to relate to the most.
What technology do you use in making your artwork?
I draw all my drawings by hand and then edit and colour them digitally on Photoshop.
What tips would you give to someone hoping to break into the world of illustration?
Draw as much as you can, I think that’s the most important thing. Dedicate time to your art. Share your work online even if it feels uncomfortable at the beginning. Value your work and your time. Companies will always try to get free work out of you in return for exposure but set a minimum day rate and stick to it and finally don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t take off right away, keep on drawing and setting yourself projects and your work will keep developing.
Has the rise of social media changed what it means to be an artist?
I think so, yeah. Social media, Instagram in particular, has become a really useful platform for creatives to self publish their artwork. You no longer have to be represented by a gallery for people to see your work. Obviously the art world still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity but now anybody with an internet phone can share their work and curate their own online gallery. I feel like because of that we are now seeing much more relatable art online.
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