Vanessa Oo

Vanessa Oo’s creative journey is deeply rooted in the magic of spontaneity and the exploration of abstract elements. Her artistic process involves the creation of small ‘families’ of hand-pulled screenprints, each composition blending unique abstract drawn elements in different combinations. These artworks are instinctively crafted, with an emphasis on capturing unseen energy and the rhythm of the moment. "I’m really interested in the tensions and relationships that emerge within my work," Vanessa explains, as her process is intuitive, allowing her compositions to develop organically. Each print is hand-drawn using ink, chinagraph, or paint, ensuring an entirely ‘undigital’ approach to her work. She takes great pleasure in observing how different viewers react to her abstract pieces, raising deeper questions about the connection between artist and audience.

Artistic Background

Largely self-taught, Vanessa’s artistic development stems from her own dedication and curiosity. While she did take A-level Art, she only began to focus on screen printing over the last six years. "I’ve gathered so much knowledge from various short courses I’ve taken in different painting practices and techniques," she says, reflecting on the pivotal role these courses played in shaping her artistic identity. This blend of self-directed learning and hands-on experience has been key to Vanessa’s unique approach, particularly in how she balances instinct and technique in her screenprints.

Vanessa’s work centres on the idea of capturing the ‘unseen’—whether that be unseen energy, movement, or emotion. Her themes revolve around the abstraction of these concepts, and she is particularly fascinated by the reactions her work elicits. "I enjoy seeing how people respond to my abstract pieces—it often raises interesting questions about the artist’s intention and the viewer’s perception." This exploration of unseen forces not only informs her compositions but also aligns with her desire to create work that feels alive and dynamic.

As the second-place finalist in the 2024 Emerging Artist Awards, Vanessa found the experience to be transformative. "It was nice to have an award where it felt like it was quite open to different mediums," she says, appreciating the opportunity to showcase her screenprinting in a supportive environment. Through the awards, she was able to exhibit new work and gain increased confidence. The experience also encouraged her to document her artistic journey more regularly on social media, further building her presence. The opportunity to connect with other emerging artists and the wider creative community was another highlight, fostering a sense of belonging within the Yorkshire art scene.

Since participating in the awards, Vanessa has continued to develop her practice, focusing on expanding her presence in local art spaces. She has created more work for print fairs and is experimenting with new textures in her pieces. "It’s been great to continue exploring new ideas and pushing my work forward," she shares. Her recent appearances at events such as the 2024 Annual York Printmakers Fair and the Sunnybank Mills Printed Bound Artists’ Book and Print Fair have further cemented her standing within the Yorkshire art community. She is also set to exhibit at Sunnybank Mills and the Bluebird Cafe in York next year, reflecting her commitment to showcasing her evolving body of work.

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions

Looking ahead, Vanessa is eager to continue refining her artistic voice and maintaining her presence within the local art community. "I want to keep exhibiting and developing my work," she says, determined to expand her reach through print fairs and exhibitions. In addition to continuing her experiments with texture, she hopes to further explore the ‘unseen’ themes that have become central to her work. Her ambition is to build a sustainable artistic practice that not only allows her to grow creatively but also to remain a vibrant part of Yorkshire’s artistic landscape.