Merissa Hylton British
My work in pottery forms part of an ongoing exploration of the historical use and creation of pots. Throughout different civilisations, pots have been used as both decorative and functional objects. My work explores the techniques used in creating pottery, the function of pots as storage for life-sustaining substances such as food and water, as well as important documents and storytelling through decoration and storage of historical artefacts.
Merissa Hylton is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in London. She studied at London Guildhall University and embarked on a career in architecture, interiors and textile design for 13 years before leaving the design industry to focus on developing her own art practice. She works across a variety of media employing both traditional and experimental techniques in her creative process. With a focus on painting and sculpture, her work explores her ancestry and identity through the use of symbolism, abstract imagery and portraiture.
She is inspired by African symbolism, spirituality and storytelling, and aims to share their rich narratives through contemporary visual interpretation.
Merissa is a qualified university lecturer and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She was a key contributor to The World Reimagined Project learning programme and currently lectures international art students at a private college in central London and Westminster University.
EXHIBITIONS & shows
2023 NAE Open, New Art Exchange, Nottingham
2021 Collective Processes, HOME x GUCCI, London
2021 Erith in Portrait, The Exchange, Erith, Kent
2021 Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize, Coventry Cathedral
2020 ‘What Does Black Art Mean To You?’, Hammersmith BID, London
2020 Leicester Black History Month, Leicester Museums & Galleries
2020 Photography, Print & Works on Paper, Candid Arts, London
2019 Bute Street Arts Festival, Luton
2019 A Windrush Legacy, Rich Mix, London
2019 The Body Image Exhibition, The Drill Hall Sandwich, Kent
2019 Here & Now Exhibition, OXO Gallery, London
2018 Cosmic Queens, solo exhibition, London
2017 Black In Colour, London
2017 If We’re Going To Heal, Let It Be Glorious, Black Blossoms, Liverpool
awardS
2023 The Henry Moore Foundation Artist Award Grant
2019 Bute Street Arts Festival Directors Choice Award
talkS
2022 The Collective Makers - Black In Full Colour, Greenwich National Maritime Museum
2022 Late at Tate Britain - Art Now, Shawanda Corbett, Tate Britain
2020 WRAP Artist Talks, Reel Rebels Radio
2019 Late at Tate Britain - Reverie, Devotion & Sacrifice, Tate Britain
2019 Mental Health & Disability in the Arts, University of the Arts London
2019 Creative Confidence, Ashley College
publicationS
2022 The World Reimagined Project Learning Programme
2021 Disability Arts Magazine
2021 Black Art Magazine
2021 Still Breathing - 100 Black Voices on Racism
2020 Alhaus Magazine
