Apparan

St Margaret’s House’s 11th Artist In Residence, September - December 2024

Apparan is a Spanish artist from the Canary Islands now living in the East End of London. Her work is inspired by nature, anatomy and female empowerment.

In September, Apparan led on London's 4th International Pasteup Festival as a part of her work for the Art House Project. The festival seeks to raise the profile of paste-ups - a form of street art that, despite its rich history, tends to fly under the radar. You can find out more about this years LIPF in ‘A Celebration of Street Art Culture’ written by Apparan for Inspiring City.

Apparan, during her four months of residence, created a unique collection of paintings for her exhibition ‘Faces & Forces - an evocative exhibition born from the voices and stories of a group of contemporary women crossing paths at St. Margaret’s House. Unveiling their journeys of self-realization, the sparks of inspiration that fuel their lives, and the enduring forces that drive them to overcome life’s challenges.

Each piece in the exhibition was a window into their world—a glimpse into the eyes of contemporary East End women whose experiences, though distinct, resonate with universal themes of perseverance and hope. Through a series of deeply personal interviews, these women shared their struggles/stories of self-discovery and transformation, as well as, their unshakable love for creativity. From these conversations, their stories were transformed into art that speaks not only to their individuality but also to the collective strength of their community.

Faces and Forces was a tapestry woven from courage and connection. Apparan wanted to shine a light on the quiet power of solidarity, reminding us that in unity, there is strength. The artworks radiate the indomitable spirit of women who have faced life’s hurdles and, through their resilience, transformed challenges into vibrant expressions of their humanity.