Daniella Norton is a dedicated artist based in Brighton, UK, who has made a significant commitment to her craft since graduating in 1998. Her artistic journey reflects a deep exploration of the materiality of paint, canvas, and drawing, and her work resonates profoundly within the vibrant Brighton arts community.
Central to Daniella’s artistic practice is her fascination with the material qualities of her medium. She skillfully navigates the delicate interplay between abstraction and figuration, crafting pieces that oscillate between these two dimensions. While she often describes her art in terms of these categories, Daniella holds a profound belief that all painting, at its core, is inherently abstract. This understanding informs her creative process, allowing her to push boundaries and explore new expressions within her work.
Daniella’s artistic practice began shortly after she completed her education in 1998. Since then, she has balanced her passion for art with a part-time career and the responsibilities of family life, including raising a teenage son and two stepchildren. This dynamic personal life adds richness to her perspective as an artist, infusing her work with the complexities of everyday experiences and emotions. Despite the challenges of juggling family and career, Daniella remains steadfast in her commitment to her art.
In recent years, Daniella’s work has garnered recognition and participation in numerous exhibitions. In 2024, she was longlisted for the BEEP Painting Biennial at Elysium Gallery, Swansea, and Aberystwyth School of Art. Additionally, her work was exhibited at The Fishing Quarter Gallery in Brighton, during the LUNASA at The Cabin Gallery in Portslade, and other notable shows such as It Rose and It Fell at Terrace Gallery in London, This Year’s Model I at Studio 1.1 in London, and Dark Materials at JM Gallery in London.
The previous year, 2023, saw her participating in a variety of exhibitions, including Under Their Skin at One Paved Court in London, Goddesses on Sea at Lido Stores in Margate, and Weald Contemporary at Colonnade House in Worthing. Daniella also showcased her work in ASP3 in Huddersfield, Thresholds and Windows at Bell House in London, The Goddesses (A Love Explosion) at Terrace Gallery in London, the Artist Support Pledge Showcase / A Space For Art Collaboration in London, and This Year’s Model Part II at Studio 1.1 in London.
In 2022, Daniella was featured in the book launch and exhibition Love, Celebration and the Road Ahead (How Not to Exclude Artist Mothers) by Hettie Judah at TJ Boulting Gallery in London. She also participated in Grey Area Reboot at Gallery DODO in Brighton and curated To the Studios at Dodo Gallery. Other exhibitions that year included her participation in the Beep Painting Biennial at Elysium Gallery in Swansea, along with showcases at Lido Open in Margate and Oxmarket Open in Chichester.
Her exhibition history further includes Pissing Against the Moon at Dodo Gallery in Brighton and A Generous Space at Hastings Contemporary in 2021, during which she was longlisted for Contemporary British Painters. Notable works were also showcased in Figurative Art Now by FAB online, Tree of Life at Electro Project Space in St. Leonards on Sea, and Without Borders by Elysium Gallery, which toured various locations.
Returning to 2020, Daniella participated in the Beep Painting Biennial at Elysium Gallery, and in 2019, she was selected for the APT Creekside Open by Sacha Craddock in London, exhibiting in Soft Power III and IV in Brighton. In 2018, she curated and exhibited in two Soft Power exhibitions in Brighton.
Earlier in her career, Daniella was shortlisted for the Solo Award exhibition at WW Gallery in London in 2013. In 2012, she showcased her work in the Angelika Open in High Wycombe, collaborated with Andrea Slater in Work/Play at CAC Gallery in Brighton, and participated in the online exhibition Desperate Art-wives. In 2011, she was among the selected artists for House at Regency Town House during the Brighton Festival.
In 2009, Daniella exhibited in It’s All About Paradise II at Blank Gallery in Portslade, Grey Area in Brighton, and a group show during the Eastbourne Festival. Her academic journey culminated with an MA exhibition at the University of Brighton Gallery in 2007, while her artistic endeavors saw her featured in the Royal Academy Summer Show and Start Gallery in Brighton in 2006. In 2004, she participated in the A4 Art Auction at Gallery 27 in Cork Street and Bonhams in London, and in 2000, she showcased Recent Paintings at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.
Daniella’s work has also gained notable recognition through various awards, such as the Artists Surfaces Award in 2024, a longlisting for Contemporary British Painters in 2021, a shortlist for the Solo Award at WW Gallery in 2013, and a shortlist for the Celeste Art Prize in 2007.
Her artistic contributions have been explored in articles and reviews by notable critics. Enzo Mara featured Daniella’s work in G Scene Sussex, while Hettie Judah and Joanne Lee discussed her exhibitions in AN magazine. Furthermore, Judah included her in the special Soundings feature for the 40th anniversary edition of AN magazine.
As a member of the Brighton arts community, Daniella plays a multifaceted role. Not only does she create and exhibit her work, but she also engages in curation, contributing to the vibrant artistic landscape of the area. Her involvement in local exhibitions and events highlights her dedication to fostering a sense of community among fellow artists and art enthusiasts. This collaborative spirit is essential to the thriving cultural scene in Brighton, and Daniella’s participation is a testament to her passion for the arts.
Daniella Norton’s work invites viewers to engage with the material and conceptual elements of painting, encouraging a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between abstraction and figuration. Her steady dedication to her practice, even amidst the demands of family life, showcases her resilience and commitment to artistic exploration. To experience Daniella’s art and learn more about her recent exhibitions, visit her website and follow her journey on Instagram at @daniellacnorton.
Daniella’s unique perspective and artistic contributions continue to enrich the Brighton arts community, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary art.
Photo credits: The photographs are the property of the artist
Article by Joanna Longawa
Leave a Reply