Celia Mora

The first studio visit was to the workspace of Spanish artist Celia Mora, a graduate of the Complutense University of Madrid who is currently completing a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art in London. Mora’s practice investigates themes of intimacy and vulnerability, often through sets of carefully directed poses that transform into a performed conversation, testing the physical limits of the body. She uses painting as a means to intrude on and manipulate the display of the human form, challenging the traditional dynamics of the artist–muse relationship. In her current work, Mora frequently employs her partner as a model, exploring gender dynamics in a raw and playful manner, allowing her to assert control over a reality she has not previously directed..

"I explore the themes of intimacy and vulnerability through a set of different poses that the subject has to follow. The whole act derives into a performed conversation where the physical capabilities of the body are sometimes put to the test.

I am interested in using painting to intrude on the other’s intimacy, by manipulating and controlling the display of the body. The role of the muse has historically been performed by a female entity, in my practice, I am currently using my partner as a model, exploring our gender dynamics in a raw and playful way. This way, painting gives me complete control over a reality that I have never been in charge of." Celia Mora