Woman This Month has a conversation with contemporary painter, Yasmin Drummond.
Delving into the world of emotions and issues that connect us to each other and humanity, Yasmin Drummond expressively blends both: abstract and figurative elements in her work to create significant visual representations. Born in Germany, Yasmin is a British artist of Middle Eastern origin and has lived in 14 different cultures which have influenced her work.
How long have you been painting for? What inspired you and how much has changed since?
I have always painted and been inspired by colours and a desire to convey my own emotional response to life through abstract painting. I find abstract art to be very similar to classical music where the listener is given the freedom to perceive each piece on a deeply personal level depending on their mood of the moment; with some pieces evoking anger, frustration, fear, passion, love, serenity or just pure beauty to meditate to.
How would you describe your art?
I am a contemporary painter. I blend both abstract and figurative elements in my work to explore emotions and issues that connect us to each other and our humanity. I focus on spontaneity and the intensity of emotions in the moment. I prefer not to start with an agenda and allow my painting to develop organically. I believe that art, like life, is full of unknowns and surprises when explored in detail.
You have experienced 14 different cultures to date. How has this influenced your art?
Having lived in so many different countries I have realised that humans have more commonalities than differences. We often share senses of humour, emotions, and respond in the same way to music, colours and to the natural world and environment. We are all impacted by major changes, like the pandemic and climate change.
What mediums do you work with?
I work mainly in acrylics and different mixed mediums with oil, charcoal, and pastels. My most recent works use iron and copper. These oxidise, or rust, as the paintings develop, which gives them an organic quality.
What can you tell our readers about your most recent exhibition and the factors that influenced it?
COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways, and reduced our social interactions. Globally, there are increased mental health pressures affecting many people because of the pandemic. I wanted to do something that not only tackled those issues, but also raised money for the UK mental health charity MIND. In the end, the only way to mount the exhibition safely was to do it in my home – where it was possible to share more of my works, including some addressing issues raised by COVID-19, such as how we can adapt to the new normal.
Have there been any influences from your time here in Bahrain?
I have tried to embrace the colours of Bahrain in my work, and the richness of its art and culture. My first half year in Manama was very busy getting out and about, trying to get to know people, and Bahrain’s rich art and culture scene.
Has any of your current art been influenced by the current pandemic that the world is facing?
I am not sure there is ever going to be an artist who has lived through the pandemic whose work does not reflect the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has created huge changes in the way we relate to one another and our lives. Inevitably, these changes in our lives are reflected in the mood of my paintings, my choices of colour, and the themes I develop.
Tell us about some of your past exhibitions.
It has been fascinating exhibiting in different parts of the world. I enjoy receiving feedback from viewers who engage with my work, and their responses often make me reflect on my work again. This reinforces my view about commonalities across cultures, and that deep down we are all very similar. London was interesting because it is so cosmopolitan, with artists from everywhere enriching the art scene. Joint exhibitions in Fiji helped me get to know local artists, and I was pleased when my collaborations helped prompt the government to found a Fijian National Contemporary Art Museum.
What are your plans for the future when it comes to your art?
I don’t really plan but I want to continue producing art. Indeed I feel compelled to, since the creative process is an important part of who I am as a person.
