Tanya Morel

Tanya Morel’s work is mainly figurative, exploring the human condition with a darkly comic eye. Originally trained as an actor, Tanya worked for a number of years in touring theatre and independent film production before graduating from Falmouth University in 2006 with a 1st class BA Hons in Fine Art. Unsurprisingly, given her background in storytelling, she is compelled to make work with a strong narrative. Her images are often ambiguous. What appears at first glance to be innocent and benign can sometimes be interpreted as rather sinister. She is drawn to all things theatrical; costumes and masks worn to act as disguise or protection. She draws inspiration from stories, fairy tales, films, museum collections and curiosities. This current series of etchings were inspired by vintage photos of circus workers, and explore themes of family and pride. Her work has been described as wryly melancholic which she likes, for there is almost always humour to be found, even in the darkest tales. Tanya’s work has been shown at the RWA, Bristol (Drawn & Open), Bankside Gallery (National Original Print Show), SWA Exeter (Open), Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Cape Cod Museum of Contemporary Art. She lives and works in Devon, UK.