Aran Illingworth
St Neots, Cambridgeshire, UK
My work sets out to present the stories of individuals whose voices might otherwise remain unheard, particularly those struggling with poverty. This combines to create a series of works presenting the experiences of women and children dealing with poverty, refugees facing deprivation and conflict, and homeless individuals living on the streets.
Fostering social consciousness and raising awareness about issues close to my heart are aims which are central to my work as a textile artist. Art raises awareness about social issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights abuses. It encourages the viewer to understand others' experiences, leading to support for change.
My chosen medium is appliqued, hand-embroidered and partly machine-stitched textile panels. My work presents a visual narrative, which is intended to convey a certain emotion, and which focuses on subjects carrying a specific message and meaning. I have always been fascinated both with textiles and with creating realistic images, and in my art, I set out to combine these two sources of inspiration by using fabric instead of paint to create a portrait.
As an artist, I highlight social issues through my work to draw public attention to these challenges.
Photographs: Kevin Mead (Art Van Go)