When we think of art, we think of creativity, innovation, and escapism. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a world that nurtures diversity and inclusion, creating a space where people from different backgrounds and cultures feel empowered to share both their stories and the stories of others.
Kimberley Burrows
Kimberley Burrows is a blind, self-taught, interdisciplinary artist who uses painting as a form of therapy. Her art effortlessly captures emotions, moods and movement through vibrant colours and brushstrokes.
For Kimberley, art “isn’t about the final piece, in a visual sense, or the materials that I’m using to achieve an outcome. Art is healing. It is human to create no matter who is doing the creating.”
Kimberley has become a key figure in the art world. In 2014, the RNIB’s (Royal National Institute of Blind People) named her Young Illustrator of the Year. She’s since become an advocate and campaigner for the blind community.
Kimberley’s work reminds us that the sky’s the limit, and inspires us to pursue our passions, no matter what challenges we face along the way.
Check out more of her incredible work: @kimberleyburrowsart
Anna Fearon
Anna Fearon is a photographer, artist and writer who uses her talents to give a voice to black and queer people. For example, her short film, Motherhood, explores how black mothers are challenging stereotypes. She also directed two music videos (Cat Burns Into You and Hope Tala Cherries) that are beautifully unique because of the techniques she’s used to produce them, like reversing footage of medieval scenes with smartphones.
Brindha Kumar
Brindha Kumar is a London-based Malaysian illustrator. She uses clean lines, shapes, geometry and symmetry to create intricate collages and images. This image is a stunning example of the level of detail that goes into her work! The longer you look, the more you see.
Take a look at more of her striking pieces: @brindhakumar
Cassi Namoda
Cassi Namoda’s figurative portraits explore the intricacies and intimacies of everyday life through the lens of post-colonialism. Her figures cry, embrace, wade into deep waters, and embark on winding paths. Her use of colour and her exploration of narratives that straddle the mundanity of life alongside abstract, spiritual imaginings, are mesmerising.
Immerse yourself in her work: @cas_amandaa
Artemisia Gentileschi
Artemisia Gentileschi was an Italian baroque painter and is the perfect example of a diverse artist for so many reasons. She was a female painter, incredibly talented and ahead of her time. She not only painted, but also had a successful career doing it – something unique and rare during her time period.
Her paintings showcase the struggles and suffering of women, and are based on her dark past. You can feel tension, pain, and female empowerment in all of her paintings. She finds her voice in her strokes, and 366 years later she still feels relevant and contemporary.
History forgot about her for too long – over 200 years! It’s our duty to tell her story and highlight how important she was.
One of the pioneers of feminism.
Learn more about her life and work here.
Raine Allen-Miller
Raine Allen-Miller is an amazing British female director and writer. Her recent debut film, Rye Lane, was a real love letter to south London, and was a more authentic take on the British rom-com than we have ever seen before. I champion all women blazing a trail in the male-dominated creative and film industries, and as a woman of colour I think it’s even more important. She is a great example of how you can switch industries and roles, having been an illustrator, creative director, music video director and now film director, and that passion and dedication to any new craft can get you a long way!
Check out more of her incredible work: @raineallenmiller