Contrary to what the glossy guise of Instagram would have us believe, our IRL selves are riddled with contradictions, insecurities, and downright weirdness. We can all be a bit gross, rarely glamorous, often self-destructive.
Cue London-based illustrator Polly Nor, whose work portrays our private rituals and inner conflicts – all with a heavy dose of humour. Scrolling in the bath. Moping in a messy bedroom. Women beheading their demons, sleeping with them, jumping off cliffs to chase after them.
Her most popular piece depicts a figure shedding her skin to reveal a devil-faced lady, smoking after a long day, beer in hand. It’s art that rejects a slippery mask of perfection, embracing the complicated realities of being a young woman.
Following previous exhibitions “Sorry Grandma: An Exhibition Of Obscene Illustrations” (2015) and “It’s Called Art Mum, Look It Up” (2017), Polly’s back this week with her third solo show: “Airing My Dirty Laundry In Public.”
Featuring new and unseen work, the 39 part series builds on material the artist published earlier this year, including an illustration entitled “You Don’t Know Him Like I Do”, whose anti-heroine jumps into the sea after a demonic creature, much to the horror of her disapproving best mate. (If you know, you know.)
The showcase will also feature an immersive installation room, as well as a new range of sculpture work.
Catch “Airing My Dirty Laundry In Public” at Protein Studios, East London from 12th-17th October.