Susie Mendelsson

Susie Mendelsson is a figurative painter inspired by German expressionism and medieval art, working in acrylics and mixed media on paper. Unlike the expressionists, her work is more considered and always involves a personal narrative. She is intrigued by the contrast between the tough looking exterior of a person and their frail, tender, often dark, interior life.

Susie's work is primarily autobiographical focusing on childhood memories, many of which she interprets as traumatic. Her starting point is always a strong emotional memory which she then explores as a series of images until the negative association has effectively been exorcised.

An insight into family life that goes on behind closed doors. These images externalise the inner turmoil of unexpressed emotions of guilt, anger, fear and disempowerment which often lie just beneath the surface of daily life and significant events such as weddings and funerals. These images are taken from four separate series of work, each examining different aspects of interpersonal relationships.