Ali Simmons (b.1997) lives and works in South London.

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Ali Simmons is a visual artist, focused on the contemporary and traditional movement of the body. In a personal reflection on her own body and her Jewish heritage, she explores how her body should move. Primarily drawing on paper with an array of materials, through the process of mark-making, layering, and erasing, she creates energy and physicality on the page.

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Simmons’ figures balance, bend, and leap, conjuring the sense of joy and possibility she felt as a child gymnast. Informed by later experiences of agoraphobia, fatigue, and the pervasive appearance-focused fitness culture, she observes bodies in motion from life and video with curiosity and awe. Jewish rituals and culture imbue her expressive imagery with rich visuals and further questioning into the meaning of specific movements.

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Ali was a winner of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s [Extra]Ordinary Portraits Competition in partnership with the Royal Drawing School. Her portrait of Holocaust survivor Bronia Snow was exhibited online and on the Piccadilly Lights in London.

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Messages regarding buying, commissioning, or collaborating are welcome at alisimmonsart@gmail.com

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EDUCATION

Leeds Arts University - BA (hons) Illustration, 2020

University for the Creative Arts, Epsom - Foundation Diploma, 2017

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EXHIBITIONS

2023

Expressions Of Judaism, New West End Synagogue

Expressions Of Judaism, Kent House Knightsbridge

Useful Drawings, Eye To Pencil Studio

[Extra]Ordinary Portraits, Piccadilly Lights

[Extra]Ordinary Portraits, Online 

 

2022 and earlier     

01/BLUE, Stanley Picker Gallery, Kingston                  

Look, No Hands x Hyde Park Book Club, Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds

Feel Don’t Feel, Yorkshire House, Leeds

Final1.JPEG, Colours May Vary, Leeds

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