Kimberley Burrows, (b. 1988) is an interdisciplinary artist, disability advocate and model living and working in London. Kimberley first graduated from Leeds Arts University (2021) before completing her MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art (2023).
Kimberley's practice is informed by her sight loss. Shifting from illustration to painting, she developed accessible systems of creating to make outcomes which are both engaging and profound. Abstract painting, printmaking and poetry allow Kimberley to understand the world around her whilst, simultaneously, challenge her ongoing intimate relationship with grief and loss. Muscle Memory, spatial awareness and touch interplay to create dimensional surfaces.
Kimberley has featured on BBC News and BBC Radio numerous times regarding her artistic practice and advocacy endeavours, as well as in various publications. Kimberley released a successful clothing collection with Warehouse UK, incorporating her abstract designs, has painted for the Wellcome Collection, RNIB, UK Scouts, and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, among others.
She is signed with Zebedee Talent, a revolutionary modelling agency representing people with disabilities.
Kimberley will be the Student President of the Student Union at the Royal College of Art, starting August 2023.
Exhibitions and Projects
2023
‘The Cult of Beaty',’ Wellcome Collection, London, UK
‘MIND’, Exhibition and panel discussion, HSBC, London, UK
‘ADDENDUM,’ No 20 Arts, London, UK
‘Royal College of Art 2023 Show,’ Battersea Campus, London, UK
‘Inside Out – Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week,’ Core Arts Hackney, London, UK
‘Meet the Artist,’ 166 Café Bar Battersea, London, UK
‘Art ‘N’ Soul – Live Painting Performance,’ The Nest in Treehouse, London, UK
2022
Warehouse UK x Kimberley Burrows Limited Edition Collection
‘Writing Myself,’ Wellcome Collection, London, UK
2021
Illustration Degree Show, Leeds Arts University
2016
‘Dialogue Beyond Sight,’ Oxo Tower, MaMoMi Initiative
Access to HE End of Year Show, Leeds College of Art
2015
Memory Makers, Holocaust Memorial Trust
2014
‘One Man’s Vision,’ Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Salford, UK
‘Celebrating 150 Years of John Lewis,’ Trafford Centre, Manchester, UK
Solo Exhibition, St Vincent’s School for the Blind, Liverpool, UK
Awards
2023
Shaw Trust Disability Power 100
Visible Artist Award Shortlist
2022
Tony Snowdon Scholarship Award (2022-23)
2017
Guide Dogs Partnership Award
2016
Specialist Intuitions Award for Student of the Year, Leeds Arts University
2014
Gillian Lawrence Award, Henshaws Society for Blind People, Manchester, UK
RNIB Young Illustrator of the Year, London, UK