Poppy Nash

Photography by
Alexander Hoyles

Some images created
in collaboration with Michael Sacco

Art is something that takes me out of myself, and it’s that creative outlet that drives me. It’s been that way since I was a very young child.

Nash is interested in how art, design and everyday objects can be used as a tool to discuss social issues, and believes strongly that everyone has something to offer in the creative process. She is fascinated by the many ways we can use each other to learn and teach. The ambition with her work is for it to create worlds and emotions for the viewer and herself through story-telling. Much of her work stems from themes around mental health and disability, including her own experience of chronic illness.

Now I’d say my work is inspired more by healthcare in general and the idea that disability affects not just an individual with a condition, but their friends, family and wider circle of acquaintances.

I am interested in how we can make the arts inclusive and a place where everyone has space to explore and exchange ideas.

Nash’s recent works are heavily influenced by archives and heritage projects, including the National Disability Arts Collection, Wellcome Collection’s Medieval archives and Women's Rights Heritage. The artifacts collected have given Nash a sense of purpose and drive to keep particular stories alive and have stimulated her interests further in Health, Wellbeing and Death.