Anoushka Havinden works primarily in drawing and painting. Returning often to exploration of the human form, evocative perception, and embodied expression, she combines semi-abstract techniques with figurative storytelling.
Bio
Born in London, raised in the North East of Scotland, Anoushka studied at Aberdeen College, and Drawing and Painting at the Glasgow School of Art, and now lives and works in Argyll.
Her work is exhibited throughout the UK and internationally, and she also curates, writes, and tutors. She is Satellite Member of the Society of Scottish Artists for Argyll, and a member of the international artists’ organisation the Drawing Box.
Writing
Her poetry is widely published, and has won several awards, including the James Kirkup, The Nairn Book & Arts Festival writing prize, and the William Soutar Prize. A pamphlet was published by Red Squirrel Press. In 2020 she was awarded an Ignite fellowship from the Scottish Book Trust.
Awards
2020 Balavoulin Art Grant
2018 Cove Park Residency, in association with Dunoon Burgh Hall
Public art
‘A River of Names’ was installed at Stockingfield Bridge, Glasgow. This large scale work was made after extensive research, and consultation with local people. A central poem weaves through names from the local area, many hand-drawn, and all engraved on granite slabs.
Public Collection
Aberdeen College
Selected Exhibitions
2025 – ‘Wildfires and the Fata Morgana’ at Into the Mirage, Six Foot Gallery, Glasgow
2024 – ‘Our Beautiful Troubles’ – Inside out, Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Ireland
2023 – Call and Response, Glasgow Project Room (co-curator and exhibitor)
2021 – Drawing Box International touring show, travelling to Ireland, France, Greece, New Mexico, The Netherlands.
2021 – ‘Pause’ – online exhibition from the SSA
2020 – Paisley Art Institute annual show
2020 – ‘Tides Changing/Changing Tides’ – SSA ‘Marine Debris’
2018 – Cove Park Residency Show, Dunoon Burgh Hall
2017 – Dunoon Connections, Lilly Gallery, Milngavie
2016 – My painting ‘Berg’ at ‘Ice’ at Comar, in Tobermory, Isle of Mull.
2016 My painting – Souvenir Island – in Europa, at Transition Gallery, London
2016 ‘Ghost Nets’ in Of the Sea, Chatham Historic Dockyard
2016 Elsewhere and Other places, Dunoon Burgh Hall – Four person show
2015-20 years of Glasgow Independent Studios, a painting
2007 -Glasgow Art Fair (Compass Gallery) 2007
2005-2009 – Compass Gallery Winter Show
2005 Catterline Open Studios, 2005
Artistic influences
Influenced by Abstract Expressionism, abstraction, and contemporary figurative art, Anoushka draws inspiration from artists who combine painterly sensibilities with observation and a lyrical approach. Her background includes studying deeply across diverse artistic traditions, while searching for her own means of expression.
Artistic philosophy
At the root of Anoushka’s work is a desire to create space to explore the human condition. Her paintings aim to create unexpected views, and evoke embodied presence. They invite viewers to explore the layered history of the work, and find resonant narratives in each composition. She believes in art as a means of personal and communal exploration, a space to play with possibilities.
Creative process
Her process involves both observation and creative reinterpretation. Early research in gathering images and objects, seeking connections and narratives. Studio work then explores structure and forms, playing with picture making. This approach mixes abstraction with gestural figuration, resulting in works that are idiosyncratic, curious, and visually engaging.
Upcoming projects
Returning to the studio after a period of working in a different industry, Anoushka is working on a new body of work that aims to explore themes of change, the environment, and how we live with loss.
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Anoushka Havinden 