Exploring the work of Sonia Boyce OBE
Artist in Residence Project: Black History Month
Article dated: 20/10/2023
Pupils from Holy Family Catholic Primary School in the Dingle Area of Liverpool have been working with local artist and teacher, Mary Yoxall to explore the work and concepts of artist Sonia Boyce OBE.
Holy Family is a diverse school community and is proud of its inclusive approach to all.
Their pop-up gallery celebrates Black History Month and the contribution, influence and legacy of Black Artists in Britain.
Mairead Guirado, Class Teacher at Holy Family Catholic Primary School said "We were delighted to be involved in this wonderfully collaborative project as part of Black History Month celebrations.
The children not only learned about Sonia Boyce and her art by working with the Artist in residence, but were able develop, interpret and explore their own creations."
Download the Artist in Residence Project: Black History Month Booklet for more information and images.
About Sonia Boyce OBE
Sonia Dawn Boyce, (born 1962) is a British Afro-Caribbean artist and educator, living and working in London.
Boyce has taught Fine Art for more than 30 years in several art colleges across the UK and is a Professor of Black Art and Design at University of the Arts London.
Boyce’s early work addressed issues of race and gender in the media and in day-to-day life. She expressed these themes through large pastel drawings and photographic collages.
Her work has since shifted materially and conceptually by incorporating a variety of media such as photographs, collages, films, prints, drawings, installation and sound.
Her recent work collaboratively brings the audience into sharper focus as an integral part of the artwork, between artist, vocalists and audience, demonstrating how cultural differences might be articulated, mediated and enjoyed.
In 2007, Boyce was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the arts. She was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year Honours, also for services to art.
In March 2016, Boyce was elected to the Royal Academy of Arts in London, becoming the first black female Royal Academician.
In February 2020, Boyce was selected by the British Council to represent Britain at the Venice Biennale 2022, the first black woman to do so.
In April 2022, Boyce won the Venice Biennale's top Golden Lion prize with her work Feeling Her Way.
About Mary Yoxall – Artist in Residence
Mary is a Liverpool based illustrator who has recently achieved a distinction in her Masters in Illustration at Falmouth University.
She has a lifelong passion for picture making, stories, myths and magic.
After 30 years of teaching Art in secondary schools, she is now following her lifelong dream of creating her own illustrations and stories.
Central to her practice is her love of the natural environment and slowing down the pace of life to notice the little things.
She likes to focus on being present, trusting the powerful energy of the Universe and appreciating the moment which, along with her imagination, keeps her calm, authentic and centred.