Anouk Mercier – "The Worship", 2022

Anouk Mercier's practice is grounded in drawing, primarily on paper, while extending into textiles, laser-cuttting and sculpture through site specific contexts. Her work references and engages with historical narratives, particularly those of the 18th century, through processes of reinterpretation and reactivation, situating them within contemporary frameworks of inquiry. Her research-driven approach has led to a number of public and private commissions, including for The Office of Public Works Ireland (2022), Torbay Council (2021) and Trust New Arts (2018). She was artist in residence at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital 2018-2021, supported by the Tavolozza Foundation.

Recent exhibitions include Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol (2024), Birmingham School of Art, Birmingham (2023), Casino Marino OPW, Dublin (2022), Saatchi Gallery, London (2021). She has been shortlisted for the Dentons Art Prize (2019) and the Jerwood Drawing Prize (2015). Her work is held in the collections of Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the OPW.

Anouk is a founding member of the University of the West of England (UWE) Drawing Research Group, which investigates the expanded role of drawing across interdisciplinary contemporary practice.