CARA STORER

As a multidisciplinary artist and art historian originally from Ipswich, Suffolk, and currently based in Manchester, Storer explores the intersection of the everyday and contemporary art. Through her studio practice, Storer elevates the banality of the commonplace to a Fine Art standard, highlighting the otherwise overlooked details of our surroundings. Whilst recently focusing on photography, her practice also expands to include paint, print, collage and film. Previously, these projects have also included working with archival material and found objects. In her written work, Storer analyses art and society through a socio-political lens; dissecting themes of social hierarchy, capitalism and consumerism amongst class-based narratives of art history. Her recently completed dissertation, ‘Class Inequality in the Creative/Cultural Industries – Does the Working Class have a place in the arts?’ reflects her commitment to probing issues of accessibility and inclusion within the Creative Industries. This essay has acted as a catalyst as she hopes to continue working towards opportunities for equality within the sector, dismantling the taboo of discussing such issues. Central to Storer’s practice is a shared foundation in deeper observation of detail, whether through visual art or written analysis. Her work invites viewers to scrutinize the nuances of contemporary existence, prompting a deeper examination of what it means to be alive in today’s society, flaws and all. Within the Degree Show we can see this examination of detail through Storer’s project made up of her own curated analogue photography. This body of work considers the observation and documentation of the mundane, probing questions of identity through what we choose to have on display in our own private homes. By investigating sentimentality and memory within the domestic space through objects, viewers are left to consider their own self-curated spaces and the narratives that they embody – what takes pride of place on your mantlepiece?