Visual simulaitons
- Hannah Tapping
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Words by Hannah Tapping
Sophie Capron’s work looks at the relationship between the manmade world and the marks it makes and how nature, conversely, can erode the same. Although often classed as an abstract painter, Sophie Capron describes herself as a representational artist, “recording marks that I have seen and then re-working them into my pieces” with her work exploring the intersection of urban decay and nature’s resilience. A graduate of Winchester School of Art with a BA (Hons) in Textile Art, Sophie’s creative journey was further enriched by a transformative period of study in Japan, an experience that introduced nuanced cultural elements into her practice. In 2018, she was awarded European funding for a residency at Picture Berlin, an opportunity that led to her participation in an international exhibition in the city.
“I’ve always had an appreciation for the environment,” says Sophie, “Growing up I was always up a tree or falling in stinging nettles. We camped as kids, travelled to new places, and left things as they were found. Now though, I feel we are slowly spoiling nature’s beauty with crass buildings and cheap developments. But I find it fascinating that, despite our best efforts, nature will always reclaim things. I love the colours of natural decay, of rust and algae. Over time, nature heals and only marks are left where things once stood. All of this heavily influences my practice – I represent these marks, these colours and transitions within my work.” Drawing inspiration from the erosion of these urban environments and the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world, Sophie’s art employs layered sgraffito mark-making and recycled paints to reflect the subtle dialogue between these forces.
LEFT 'Mala’ 100cm x100cm, reclaimed materials
RIGHT ‘Tri’ reclaimed materials, 90cm x90cm
Sophie’s recent exhibitions include a prominent showing at Cornwall Museum as part of the Truro Schools Collection, where her work was displayed alongside iconic British artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Kate Nicolson and Peter Lanyon. Internationally, her work has been featured in galleries across France, Japan, Germany and the United States, including exhibitions in Lorient (La Galerie du Faoudedic) and New York. She was also invited to participate in the prestigious 5th International “Biennale on Women in Contemporary Art”, Larmor-Plage, France.
Since 2019, Sophie has held four solo exhibitions at Artwave West and exhibited in group shows at notable venues such as the Crypt Gallery and the Summer House Gallery, where she recently collaborated with ceramicist Jake Boex. As an active member of Cornwall’s vibrant artistic community, Sophie joined the Newlyn Society of Artists in 2022 and currently serves on its committee. She also plays a key role in organising the biannual exhibitions at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.
TOP ‘Fos’, 100cm x100cm, reclaimed materials
LEFT ‘Lobby’, reclaimed materials, 30cm x 20cm
RIGTH ‘Lagyans’, 81cm x61cm, reclaimed materials, painted on back of canvas
Sophie is currently based at the Old Bakery Studios in Truro and welcomes visits. She is represented by Artwave West, Art Dog London and Summer House Gallery.
