Alexandra Johnson was already grieving her mother's death when Covid-19 hit the UK in 2020. As a former city trader, she had no formal art qualifications, but she nonetheless decided to manage the boredom and channel her grief by painting in her kitchen. The mother-of-three has gone on to sell her works - painted exclusively with a palette knife and spatula - for five-figure sums. Earlier this month, her portrait of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai sold for £51,200 at the prestigious Bonhams auction house. "I always go for powerful women, not for [their] jobs and career, just for their inner strength," said Johnson, who lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Johnson left her job as a trader in 2002 to become a full-time mum. She became a full-time carer for her own mother in 2017 after her cancer diagnosis, and Janet died in February 2019. The 53-year-old recalled how "we were really bored" when the first lockdown was imposed and she was still "fresh in grief". "I don't think I'd spent five hours painting [at that point] but during lockdown the pace of life had become a lot slower," she told the BBC. "I wanted to see how good I could be." Her "amazing" mother served as an "inspiration" for those early paintings. Janet had already sacrificed her own health by giving a kidney to one of her brothers when she was 60 years old. The painter said she was forever in awe of how women supported other women in times of crisis, and she described how her work paid "homage" to their "strength and grace". She says her paintings explore memory, femininity and resilience. "I pull from my experiences. It's personal, it's my feelings on a canvas, my favourite pieces are anything that are of my mum. "I found it so therapeutic. "I only do women, and I've had some really low points in my life and the women in my life just pushed me through. "We come from a big family of powerful women." Women wear many hats and spin many plates, she explained: "We take on so much." Johnson - who works under the name Zara Muse -sold her first painting "Angelique" in 2023for £22,500.Shape of Stillnesswent for £47,500 in December. Thepainting of Malalawas was put up for sale at Bonham's after it was put forward by one of her loyal collectors. Malala, now 27, was15 when she was shot in the head by the Talibanon the way home from school. "Malala represents strength and bravery — the kind of woman I want to celebrate through my work." Follow Essex news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
The ex-city trader who sold Malala painting for £51k
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Former Trader Alexandra Johnson Sells Malala Portrait for £51,200"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Alexandra Johnson, a former city trader from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, turned to painting as a means to cope with her grief following her mother's death in 2019 and the isolation brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite lacking formal art training, she began creating expressive works in her kitchen using a palette knife and spatula. Her artistic journey led to significant recognition, culminating in the recent sale of her portrait of Malala Yousafzai for £51,200 at Bonhams auction house. Johnson, who has always been inspired by powerful women, emphasizes that her art pays tribute to their inner strength rather than their professional achievements. She has dedicated her paintings to exploring themes of memory, femininity, and resilience, drawing upon her personal experiences and the influence of the women in her life.
Johnson's artistic career began in earnest during the lockdown, a time she described as both challenging and transformative. She found solace in painting, stating that it allowed her to express her feelings and connect with her memories of her late mother, who had been a source of inspiration throughout her life. Since her first sale in early 2023, her work has garnered significant financial success, reflecting both the emotional depth and technical skill she has developed. Johnson's pieces, including “Angelique” and “Shape of Stillness,” have sold for substantial amounts, and the recent auction of her Malala portrait marked a pivotal moment in her burgeoning art career. She views Malala as a symbol of strength and bravery, embodying the qualities she seeks to celebrate through her work. As Johnson continues to navigate her artistic path, she remains committed to depicting the strength and grace of women who have influenced her life.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the journey of Alexandra Johnson, a former city trader who turned to painting as a means of coping with grief and boredom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her recent sale of a portrait of Malala Yousafzai for £51,200 at Bonhams auction house marks a significant achievement in her artistic career, showcasing the intersection of personal tragedy and artistic expression.
Personal Narrative and Resilience
Johnson's story is framed around themes of loss, resilience, and empowerment. Her decision to paint during lockdown reflects a broader narrative of individuals using creativity as a coping mechanism during challenging times. The emphasis on powerful women in her artwork underscores a celebration of female strength and solidarity, resonating with many readers who may relate to her experiences of grief and resilience.
Cultural Significance
The portrayal of Johnson's artistic journey serves to inspire those facing similar struggles, particularly women. By focusing on female subjects and themes of femininity and memory, the article taps into contemporary conversations about women's roles in society and their representation in the arts. This thematic focus may aim to foster a sense of community among readers who identify with these values.
Market Influence
The sale of Johnson’s painting at a prestigious auction house also highlights the intersection of art and economics. This event might not only reflect the growing market for contemporary art but also suggest a potential rise in interest for works that embody personal narratives and social themes. It raises questions about how personal stories can influence market trends and consumer interest in art.
Manipulation and Public Perception
While the article presents an inspiring narrative, it could be argued that it subtly manipulates public perception by romanticizing the struggles associated with grief and creativity. The language used evokes sympathy and admiration, which may lead readers to focus more on the emotional aspects rather than critically assessing the broader implications of such narratives in art and society.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other stories in the arts and culture sector, this article stands out for its emphasis on personal narrative over technical prowess. It aligns with a growing trend in the arts where personal stories are increasingly valued, potentially influencing how art is perceived and consumed.
Community Engagement
This narrative is likely to resonate more with communities that value personal storytelling, female empowerment, and resilience in the face of adversity. Johnson's story can inspire support from various groups, including artists, feminists, and those advocating for mental health awareness.
Economic Impact
The news about Johnson’s painting sale might influence the art market, particularly for works that tell personal stories or focus on themes of resilience. Collectors may become more inclined to invest in art that captures the essence of human experience, impacting the pricing and desirability of similar artworks.
Global Context
Although this article primarily focuses on a personal story, it also touches on broader societal issues, such as the role of women in art and the impact of the pandemic on mental health and creativity. These themes are particularly relevant in today's global context, where discussions about women's rights and mental health have gained significant traction.
The article appears to be a reliable account of Johnson's journey and achievements, with a focus on personal narrative that resonates with contemporary cultural themes. However, it does carry a certain emotional weight that could be seen as manipulative, depending on the reader's perspective.