Emilia Symis: A Feast for the Senses

About

Emilia Symis is a recent Fine Art graduate from Norwich University of the Arts. Born and raised in and around Stowmarket, she is currently working as the Gallery Assistant at The Corn Hall in Diss. Emilia was also fortunate enough to have been shortlisted for the John Ruskin Prize and was awarded the winner of the Bishop’s Art Prize in 2019. She has already exhibited in London, Manchester and local venues around Norwich. Emilia specialises in photo realistic paintings of food, whilst adding a bizarre twist that is iconic to her style.  

"I aim to make the viewer feel uncomfortable or confused when they observe my art; often my paintings initially look appealing, but there is always something unpleasant or strange about the image that will make you think twice."

Emilia has recently started to explore olfactory art and has begun to apply scents to her paintings in various ways that emphasise or change the way the image is viewed. Olfactory art is a fairly new phenomenon and Emilia continues to rigorously experiment to find the best way of creating a powerful and effective aroma around her artwork. She found that using fragrance oils either varnished directly onto the completed painting or within plug-in diffusers that fill the gallery space with scent proved quite successful.  

Emilia is excited to share that she will be doing a solo show at The Corn Hall from the 14th February – 16th March 2020 called ‘A Feast for the Senses’. This exhibition will immediately follow an exhibition by Lucian Freud and earlier shows by Bridget Riley, Norman Ackroyd and Maggi Hambling. In. this show she will be showcasing her new paintings, paired with a mysterious aroma. ‘A Feast for the Senses’ promises to be a vibrant, fun, multisensory experience that leaves you feeling conflicted and slightly uncomfortable, but eager for more. With themes of nostalgia, Emilia draws inspiration from the weird and wonderful dishes from the 70s, iconic foodie film references and sweets from her childhood.  

Special event: Saturday 15 February, 11am – 1pm  Emilia will be in the gallery to open the exhibition, greet visitors and answer questions. Come see and smell the artwork!