Playful Imagined Moments in the ‘Middle of Nowhere’ | New Work by Kirsten Sims

Keurbooms, 2015. Mixed media on board. 900 x 655mm (framed)    

In an exhibition of new work, artist and illustrator Kirsten Sims plays on the idea that the middle of nowhere is a feeling and a place, using it as a point of departure and visual exploration of who she is as an artist. This show, aptly titled ‘The Middle of Nowhere’, opened at Salon 91 last week and is every bit as wonderful as we’ve come to expect of Kirsten. Born and bred in the Garden Route town of Mossel Bay, she says that she has always enjoyed places that feel separate to the rest of the world. Speaking about her process she explains, “I often start off a painting wondering where the story will unfold – so to me place is very important, whether real or imagined.” The pictures that make up this body of work are based on ‘real’ (read: mostly imagined) moments that provoke the feeling of being somewhere yet nowhere at the same time.

Kirsten describes her work as whimsical, gestural, exaggerated and playful. Each of her illustrations, drawings or paintings tell a story, and she says that working in this way makes her feel like stage director – she creates a backdrop, sets the mood and tone, and then introduces the actors. She has fun seeing how much of a story she can tell in one image, combining it with an interesting title to create new and interesting dynamics on a single page. Her illustrations are often humorous and working in this way allows her to express her experiences and opinions while also subtly and gently make fun of the world she lives in.

‘The Middle of Nowhere’ is on until 18 July 2015 at Salon91.

91 Kloof Street, Cape Town

Opening times:

Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am – 6pm

Saturdays from 10am – 2pm.

See more of Kirsten’s work on her blog, Facebook and Behance.

Midnight Ambush, 2015. Mixed media on board. 575 x 480mm (framed)