Ishbel Angus
About
Ishbel Angus is an artist currently based in London studying Painting at the Royal College of Art, supported by The President and Vice-Chancellor’s UK Cost of Living Scholarship. Ishbel recently graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a First Class BA (Hons) in Painting and Printmaking.
Ishbel explores the cryptic and hyperreal in her work as her paintings become vessels. She centres queerness by using painting to define undefined things and investigates tensions between the known and unknown. Ishbel examines and critiques categories and classifications by blending materiality using both painted and real objects as interventions in their work, creating ‘illusionisms’ that challenge boundaries of surfaces, identities and more. Ishbel’s work reflects the complexities and ambiguities of queerness, trauma, and the act of self-definition.
Currently, Ishbel is making work about an artefact called the ‘witch in a bottle’ which was found in 1915 and is held in the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford.
Ishbel engages with influences of mysticism, sci-fi and queer theory as she investigates the tensions of subverting traditions to explore liberation, performativity, identity, and transformation. Playfulness is central to Ishbel’s process, especially in material exploration, where they balance darker themes and imagery with lightness.
Content Warning
The content on this website may contain themes and materials that some users find distressing or offensive. Further, the content on this website may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. User discretion is advised.
Any views and opinions expressed in this student profile represent the views and opinions of the student and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Royal College of Art or its employees or affiliates. The appearance of any views or opinions on this page do not constitute endorsement of those views by the Royal College of Art. This student profile has been made available for informational purposes only. The Royal College of Art does not make any representations or warranties with regard to the accuracy of any information provided in this student profile, nor does it warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any listed or linked sites. The Royal College of Art is not responsible for the content submitted by any user, or for the defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user. If you wish to report any errors or inappropriate material that may cause offence, please email feedback@rca.ac.uk