Sophie Sweeney is an artist from Sunderland, translating drawings into bold and exaggerated sculptures with narrative driven surface design. Sophie’s work often explores the complexities of human experience and particularly the absurdities of social behaviour and our desire to connect with the world around us.  

Through working across drawing, painting, and sculpture, Sophie’s practice draws on personal communication barriers whilst adopting a cartoon language and humorous imagery to connect with audiences.  

With artistic influences including folk art, pop art and artists of the underground comic movement, humour is used to create images that at first glance seem funny however on deeper examination reveal a more serious meaning; subtly referencing communication, anxiety and feeling like an outsider.  

Sophie is committed to developing her interdisciplinary practice throughout the fellowship, bringing together sculpture, experimental drawing, moving image, installation, and sound to expand the conceptual and material possibilities of her work.