Liselotte Watkins

Biography

Liselotte Watkins is known for her unique aesthetic when weaving together art, history, and personal narratives. Through her distinctive, characteristic figures and colour schemes, her work catches the viewer’s eye. She often explores different places and environments, notably drawing inspiration from her studio filled with books, papers, and collected images, and Italy, her country of residence, with its rich history and cultural treasures. This studio environment serves as a microcosm where she creates new stories, blending different times and places into her compositions.

A defining feature of Watkins's artistry is her use of symbolism and the collage-like placement of objects within her paintings. This approach transforms everyday items into puzzle pieces that communicate with each other, reflecting both her cultural heritage and daily life. Her fascination with the female form, both in art and in everyday contexts, is a recurring theme that adds depth to her narratives.

Watkins's colour palette has evolved significantly over the years, from the vibrant hues inspired by the Italian countryside to the softer, more romantic tones of her time in Rome. Her recent works, particularly during the lockdown period in Italy, exhibit a patina and a sense of history, achieved through materials sourced from antiquarian bookshops and markets.

Born in 1971, Watkins's career took off after her studies at the Art Institute of Dallas. She initially made a name for herself in New York as a fashion illustrator, working for prestigious clients like Prada, Vogue, and The New Yorker. However, after moving to Italy, she shifted her focus entirely to her art. Her exhibitions have been well-received, with notable shows at CFHILL and other prestigious venues. Watkins continues to captivate audiences with her richly layered, symbolically charged works that bridge the gap between the past and the present, and the personal and the universal.