Nicola Turner at Shtager & Shch
Nicola Turner’s sculptures at Shtager & Shch offer a glimpse into an artist’s late-blooming journey. Her work challenges norms and prompt us to reconsider, embrace the unknown.
Nicola Turner’s Background
Nicola Turner is a seasoned UK-based artist rooted in set and costume design. With over two decades of global experience, her work has graced stages from The Royal Opera House to the Sydney Opera House, accumulating accolades for her creativity. Turner’s forthcoming project “Death in Venice” with the Welsh National Opera opens in Cardiff in March 2024.
Early Roots and Late Bloom
Turner’s artistic roots trace back to childhood, marked by a knack for crafting with her hands. Despite being called artistic from a young age, she chose a career in design. It wasn’t until her 50s that she embraced the label ‘artist’ after completing an MA in Fine Art in 2019. This transformation empowered her to establish herself as an artist, breaking free from the constraints of predefined roles. Turner’s journey includes graduating from Central St Martins School of Art & Design and a significant milestone in 2019 — completing a Master’s in Fine Art at Bath Spa University. This academic pursuit provided the confidence to fully embrace her artistic identity.
Eerie Allure of Turner’s sculptures
Turner’s art delves into the intricacies of life and death, human and non-human, utilizing found objects and materials like horsehair, used for staffing furniture. Her work creates a lively microcosm, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface. Turner’s sculptures, reminiscent of Louise Bourgeois, leave a lasting impression. Dark and sprawling, they challenge our perceptions, like timeless thoughts lingering in the air. Her art disrupts the conventional idea of ‘being,’ offering a radical democracy of bodies. Turner’s sculptures defy easy categories, inviting us to imagine new possibilities beyond age, gender, and aesthetics.
Upcoming Showcase
Catch Turner’s exhibition, “The Song of Psyche,” at Shtager & Shch, London, from November 25 to January 12, 2024.
Lower Ground Floor
51—53 Margaret Street
London W1W 8SQ
+44(0)7541251979
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
