Anne Guest
My art explores the uncompromising cycle of life, the fragility of existence and the passing of time.
I have always been fascinated with animal bones and skulls, dead butterflies and insects, feathers, birds nests and dried seed heads, all of which I collect and display in my studio as my own ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. These were also known as Wunderkammer and were first established in sixteenth century Europe. They comprised collections of objects that were displayed to give the viewer a sense of a world full of mystery and wonder, blurring the lines between myth and reality and allowing the viewer to come to their own conclusions. Something I aspire to.
My work often uses symbols associated with the traditional art genres of memento mori, vanitas and still life which are all associated with the transience of life and earthly pleasures and the ever present threat of death.
I use the cyanotype process to make most of my artwork as I love the fact that cyanotypes are created in partnership with nature allowing chance and the weather to collaborate in the process.
I aim to create work that is a poignant reminder of our own mortality and vulnerability as well as invoking a sense of awe and wonder.
Qualifications
2006 - MA Fine Art (Distinction), Birmingham City University, Birmingham
2005 - BA Fine Art (First Class Honours), Birmingham City University, Birmingham
Solo exhibitions
2024 - Cusp, Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery
2022 -Shadows in the Sun, Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery
2020-21- Under the Sun, Fulham Palace, London
2020 - Shadows of the Sun, The Coach House Gallery, Birmingham
2018 - Awe and Wonder, Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery
2018 - Fragile, Number 8 Gallery, Pershore
2012 - I have glimpsed the future, Aedas, Birmingham
2011 - I am not myself, VINYL, Birmingham
2 Person Exhibitions
2023 - Wall Stories, Artery Gallery, Worcester
2017 - Foreshadow, Showcase Gallery, Birmingham
2016 - Foreshadow, Wolverhampton Art Gallery
2014 - A Sign of the Times, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
2013 - Shadow, Wolverhampton Art Gallery
2013 - A Sign of the Times, Midland Art Centre, Birmingham
Selected Group exhibitions
2026 - Leamington Open, Leamington Spa
2025 - Open24, Tarpey Gallery, Castle Donington
2025 - Fables, Swanfall Art, Mall Galleries, London
2025- Prize Photography Exhibition, RBSA, Birmingham
2024 - Open24, Tarpey Gallery, Castle Donington
2024 - Open24, Old Lockup Gallery, Cromford
2023 - Leamington Open, Leamington Spa
2022- West Midlands Open, New Art Gallery, Walsall
2022- FiftyBees5, ACEarts, Somerton
2021- Prize Photography Exhibition, RBSA, Birmingham
2020 - FiftyBees4, Black Swan Arts, Frome
2019 - PrizePhotography Exhibtion, RBSA, Birmingham
2016 - Ruskin Drawing Prize, Walsall and London
2016 - Wirksworth Arts Festival, Wirksworth
2015 - Shoosmiths Art Prize, Milton Keynes
2015 - The Big Hoot, Birmingham
2014 - Shoosmiths Art Prize, Milton Keynes
2014 - West Midlands Open 2014
2011 - London Group Open, Cello Factory, London
2008 - Jerwood Drawing prize Exhibition, Various, London, Cheltenham, Winchester, Bury St Edmunds, Durham
Residencies and Projects
2015 - Collaboration with Emergence Magazine
2023 - Commissioned by Anthopologie
2018 - Portrait of an Alternative Anatomy; A Turn for the Better, Birmingham
2014 - Soul to Sole, Croome Court, Worcester
2009 - Unnatural Selection, Rea Garden, Birmingham
Public Commissions
2025 - Surreal Solihull, West Midlands
2017 - The Big Sleuth, Birmingham
2015 - The Big Hoot, Birmingham
