Phantasmal Gallery
Phantasmal Gallery
Olivia Hawkswell
Pray, Play, Prey
30x60cm
£450
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The uncertain nature of the goat’s actions- whether it's playfully chewing on the girl’s hair or something more sinister -creates a scene where emotions and symbols merge in unexpected ways. The unusual imagery and the blend of familiar elements with the ambiguous invite viewers to interpret the work personally, enhancing its surreal and enigmatic effect.
A Little Bit About The Artist
A Statement From The Artist
I am a 21 year old emerging artist having graduated from Liverpool John Moores with a BA in Fine Art. Originally from a farm in North Yorkshire, my rural upbringing has deeply influenced my practice. My work consists of vibrant, large scale figurative oil paintings, realised on a neon pink acrylic base accompanied by textural oil stick and oil pastel. Goats frequently populate my paintings, reflecting my farming background, sustaining my inquiry into the innate human desire to connect with animals - albeit a relationship hindered by complexities of hierarchy and domestication. My constant interrogation of the subject informs a research-based practice wholly applied to the act of painting, contributing to a developing practice encouraging experimentation and firmly committed to critical reflection.
Tell us about a dream you've had.​
When I first lost my pet goat Sally, I had recurring dreams about her and our adventures together, especially one where we went for a walk in the snow. Now through my art I feel like I can relive some of those cherished memories and express my love for goats as a whole.
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What's your favourite movie or tv show?
​Bojack Horseman.
​​​​What is your biggest influence on your practice?
Goats are a major inspiration for my artistic practice. Growing up on a working farm in North Yorkshire, I formed deep connections with goats, seeing them not just as livestock but as companions with distinct personalities. This upbringing exposed me to the realities of farming, where animals are often viewed as commodities, and their life cycles are intertwined with daily routines. These experiences have led me to critically examine how society commodifies animals, overshadowing their intrinsic value and emotional complexity. Through my art, I aim to challenge these dominant perceptions, encouraging viewers to reconsider their relationship with animals. My work reflects on themes of life, death, and the overlooked bonds between humans and animals, using my personal connection with goats as a way to explore broader ethical questions. This intimate experience continues to shape and inspire my creative process, rooted in a sensitivity to the natural world.​
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