The fictonal world of "Purgatory"

Interview with Kaya Mae Wilson

1. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

Most of my work is based around a fictional world that I have created called Purgatory. The entrance lies in between death and the afterlife, classing it as a periafterlife. Purgatory is a place beyond the conformities of normal life, an opportunity to explore femininity without gender and reality. I created Purgatory to help me better understand my own femininity and create something non-religious that could happen after death.

2. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.

My best experience in the art world was exhibiting at the Holy Art Gallery last November. This was my first proper exhibition in a gallery and they made me feel really welcomed into the space. I was able to talk to prospective buyers and other art enthusiasts during the private view, while looking at the art others were exhibiting at the time. I am very fortunate to have been given the chance to exhibit with such a caring gallery!

3. What practical advice can you give to fellow artist?

Do not stop making. Whatever doubts or tough patches you are going through, do not stop making art. Changing mediums or types of things you create to accommodate whatever you are going through is completely fine. Do not force yourself to make something you do not enjoy making. When I thought I was going through artists block, I was really just aggravated with material and had to change things up to find excitement. That is okay. Whatever you make is enough.

4. Is the artist's life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

The artist's life is one of the loneliest lifes you can live. So much of my life is reliant on the people I surround myself with and the fellow artists I connect with. If I don’t know how to do something, I ask for help and make friendships through seeking aid. For example, I struggled making frames for my pieces, so I started asking around for any other artists who knew how or had experience making canvases. I met some of my closest friends doing this, and they were able to make some frames for me until I got the hang of it. Finding other opinions, techniques, and skills is essential to progressing your making, so why not make a friend out of it?

5. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?

I am currently exploring what tufting does to larger pieces of work and the contrasting textures that come from this. I am also working on abstracting the female to experiment with how we see and experience femininity. I have my final degree show coming up in May and Hardwick Gallery.

You can find more information on instagram @fineartdegreeshow2025.

IG: @kayamaeart