After studying her A levels with us, Emmie graduated in 'Applied Arts' in 2006. Her work has been inspired by her travels in South America and Cuba where she feels that life within the buildings is far more visible and ‘on display’ than in Northern Europe. Houses appear to have been constructed in a very creative way with a variety of materials and it’s this idea that Emmie wants to reflect in her work. She uses a variety of media including coffee, spices, circuit boards and gold leaf as well as paint to built up intricate layers.
Amber Light on Broad Street by Emmie van Biervliet
Recently, Emmie has been commissioned by ‘The Apprentice’ runner-up Saira Kahn, to create a piece of work for her newly adopted daughter, Amara. The work tells the story of Amara's journey from Karachi, Pakistan to her new home in the UK. The experience was filmed for a documentary, ‘Saira Kahn Adopts Abroad’ recently broadcast on BBC2.
Emmie's painting is in the style of a storyboard and uses images to tell a story, echoing the ancient medieval tradition of icon painting. Birds represent Saira’s family members and the river Indus, which dissects Pakistan, winds through the work down to the huge port city of Karachi and the sea, representing the ups and downs of life. Buildings from both London and Karachi signify the huge journey, both physical and emotional, made by Saira and Amara.
Emmie has exhibited in London, New York and Chicago. She will exhibit in Singapore later this year. Emmie was also winner of the Diana Brooks Award at the Art for Youth exhibition at the Royal College of Art in 2010.
Amara's Journey by Emmie van Biervliet
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