Return to 1998 AUTUMN Index
In deepest Middlesex, wedged between a chip shop and a Chinese takeaway, Tania Holland's studio consists of a cramped space in the window of a little workshop that produces whimsical pottery. The suburban setting belies the work being produced. Taking shape on the canvas is no dainty watercolour but a dramatic nude of a portly middle-aged man. And hidden amongst the canvases, books and paint are fascinating sculptures. Strange human-animal hybrids that intrigue, bemuse and perplex. The West London suburbs are the unlikely home of this talented young artist.
 |  |
Tania Holland | |
Holland's natural talent was evident at school and, following a foundation year at Mid-Cheshire College, it secured her a place at the Ruskin School of Drawing (part of Oxford University). In common with other Art school's, students were encouraged away from traditional drawing, painting and figurative work towards video, installation and the more avant-garde. Not identifying with conceptual art and anxious not to join it's ranks of pretentious and often talent-less individuals, Holland kept a low profile and simply got on with the type of work she preferred.
Hollands influences include... | |||
 |  |  |  |
Elizabeth Frink | Lucian Freud | Kenneth Armitage | Jenny Saville |
Concentrating on sculpture and influenced by Elizabeth Frink, Kenneth Armitage and Lynn Chadwick, Holland found her own ways to develop her work and pursue her interest in organic, animal and figurative subject matter. Inspired by the fossils and stuffed animals at Oxford's Pitt Rivers museum, her final year show explored animal and human comparative anatomy and evolution. A body moulded jacket made of latex and hair transported the wearer to more hirsute, Neanderthal origins. An amphibious man moulded in wax and sculpted from fish swam across the floor. Human hands became stag's horns. Feet were metamorphosed into laced boots. Crab's legs became human fingers. Faces cast from family and friends were endowed with animal parts to produce freakish, gargoyle like masks. Human faces erupted from the back of a monstrous Surinam toad.
Choosing not to title or explain her work, Holland found that exponents of conceptual art were happy to ascribe it with their own (often ludicrous and pretentious) interpretations. Ironically, her essentially figurative work was deemed as deeply conceptual and so found critical favour.
Final year degree sculptures by Tania Holland... | |
 |  |
Despite success at Art School and a good Oxbridge degree under her belt, a period of unemployment and five months of dire work in a bookshop followed graduation. A stint doing cartoons for a promotion at Heathrow Airport sparked off a now thriving caricature business. A self taught cartoonist, Holland sees caricature very much a means to an end, providing a source of income which enables her to devote time to improving her painting skills and building up her reputation as an artist.
 |  |
by Tania Holland | |
Holland is currently concentrating on oil painting, particularly figurative work. Her technique is strongly influenced by the artists Lucian Freud and Jenny Saville although a distinctive style is emerging. An element of caricature is evident in some of her work but the strong use of paint and vivid capturing of flesh provide a foil. The overall result is both original and exciting. A lack of suitable models is currently a problem (character faces and Leigh Bowery look-a-likes in West London please apply). Very much a hands-on artist, Holland is happy to spend hours on end working on a canvas and can produce several per week. Sadly, many don't see the light of day, immediately painted over if not meeting Holland's own high standards. The unfinished Bishops canvas illustrated was abandoned and then painted over when Holland was unable to capture the right expressions on some of the faces.
Recent figurative oil paintings... | |
 |  |
Holland's future looks bright. A one-year post as artist in residence at the Matthew Arnold School, Staines starts in September 1998 and will mean more space to develop her work. A limited edition casting from her degree show sculpture of a booted foot is planned. An MA in either painting or sculpture beckons next year.
 |  |
by Tania Holland | |
At a time when concepts seem to count for more than expertise in much contemporary art, it's refreshing to find an unpretentious young artist whose work is both original and skilful. Already accomplished in drawing, portraiture, sculpture and oxyacetylene welding, Tania Holland is definitely an artist to watch.
With Oil paintings and portraits starting from £300 and sculpture from £50, this is a great time to buy or commission from this talented artist.