The future is female: Four women shaping UK art

The UK boasts an impressive legacy of female artists who have not only reshaped the art world but also redefined its boundaries. Barbara Hepworth revolutionised modern sculpture with her organic forms; Bridget Riley’s Op Art and Gillian Ayres’ abstractions injected vitality into British art. Tracey Emin’s exploration of the body as a site of artistic expression politicised it, and Lubaina Himid, the first Black woman to win the Turner Prize, used her work to confront colonial histories. These iconic artists exemplify the transformative power of women in the British art scene. Today, a new generation of rising stars is building upon this legacy. Here are our favourites:

Oriele Steiner: A world of dreamlike narratives

Oriele Steiner’s work transports viewers to a realm where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from mythology, folklore, and the subconscious, her paintings dissolve the boundaries between reality and imagination. As one of the most innovative contemporary storytellers in the UK, her art offers a profound exploration of the human psyche, transcending mere representation.

Manon Steyaert: Blurring boundaries of medium and meaning

Manon Steyaert is redefining the space between painting and sculpture through her innovative use of silicone. This malleable material enables her to create works that are tactile and fluid, challenging traditional conceptions of form and space. Steyaert’s ability to expand both medium and meaning positions her as a trailblazing artist within the UK’s art scene.

Kemi Onabule: Ecological challenges and colonial histories

Kemi Onabule’s figurative art delves deeply into identity, heritage, and the human experience. Her work, rich in symbolism, explores the intersections of culture, history, and our evolving relationship with nature. Addressing both ecological issues and colonial legacies, Onabule is a potent voice in the ongoing dialogue about race, history, and self-expression in contemporary art.

Alexandra Searle: Sculpting strength and fragility

Alexandra Searle’s sculptures fuse the natural world with the female form, using fluid lines and dynamic contours to explore themes of resilience, fragility, and grace. Informed by her personal experiences with anxiety, she manipulates materials to embody physical and emotional tension, capturing moments of stress and expectation. Her work invites a deeper reflection on the interplay between the body and its psychological landscapes.

What unites these four artists is their ability to challenge conventions, tell evocative stories, and create work that resonates deeply on both a personal and collective level. Whether through abstraction, figuration, or sculpture, these women are redefining the UK art landscape with their bold creativity and unique perspectives. Supporting their voices and celebrating their work helps drive the ongoing evolution of art in the UK.