Lauren Little

Lives and works in London, UK

Artist statement

My artistic practice is rooted in an exploration of identity, both personal and collective, through the lens of Blackness. I often don’t personally know the individuals in my work, but there is an undeniable connection — a shared sense of belonging that comes from our common identity as Black people. In each portrait, I see fragments of myself, reflections of the boldness, confidence, and vibrancy that define our culture, yet at times feel distant from my own experience. My art becomes a reminder for me, as a Black woman, that I am all those things and more. To complement the portraits, I integrate abstract elements like cuts, holes, shadows, repetition and jagged lines, using texture to explore the duality of identity. I emphasise both positive and negative spaces, play with light and shadow, the visible and the hidden. This process represents the “darker side” we all possess — the unspoken struggles, doubts, and vulnerabilities that shape us alongside our triumphs. The creation process itself is a significant part of my work. I intentionally leave subtle traces of it — visible pencil marks, rough edges, and the imperfections of hand-cut shapes—because the journey matters as much as the outcome. These marks are a testament to growth, to the layers of self that we uncover through reflection and discovery. Ultimately, my work seeks to engage viewers in a dialogue about identity, resilience, and the fullness of the human experience. By revealing both the strength and the...

Artwork