Collaborations
I paint, make films, draw animations, research, write, and publish on topics related to our emotions, picture perception, and swimming. Below is a snapshot of ongoing collaborations. Please feel free to email with questions.
The next upcoming event in this long running collaboration is 'The Pleasures and The Pains of the Flesh'. It's free to join, but booking is required if you want to participate in the '15 minutes with a philosopher' game at the Friday Late 22 May 2026.
This booking link takes you directly to The National Gallery page. Booking opens 18 May 2026 9am.
I am co-Director along with Professor Sacha Golob for a public impact research centre at King's College London encompassing multiple exhibitions, conferences, films, public events, and research projects. Find out more on the www.philosophyarts.co.uk website.
An ongoing residency at this organic vineyard and social project based at Forty Hall & Capel Manor, featuring landscapes and portraits.
Philosophy Film Shorts
The British Society of Aesthetics has generously supported my research, conferences, and presentations across various facets of my philosophical interests.
Currently in production are two films 'Francis Bacon & The Time of Monsters' and 'Astruc's Camera'.
My book The Expression of Emotion in the Visual Arts is published with Routledge.
Watch our animated film about eccentric philosopher Richard Wollheim on YouTube here.
Discover a range of film shorts on a range of topics from philosophy of art on our youtube channel
Programmed essay for The Globe Theatre
I'm thrilled to be invited to contribute to the programme for this powerful production
Following 2022’s ‘extraordinary’ ★★★★ (The Observer) co-production of Henry V, Shakespeare’s Globe collaborates once again with ‘hugely influential’ (Time Out) touring theatre company Headlong to shine candlelight on the shadowy underbelly of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays. Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan directs, with co-direction from Naeem Hayat (The Comedy of Errors, 2023/24). A production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong, with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse.
Lyric Video Design & Animation
Saul Damelyn's second album, Kings, Queens & Dream Machines launched in Spring 2026 with two videos designed, illustrated, and animated by Vanessa Brassey with Jenny Bell from Envis film.
Saul Damelyn’s “Museum of Love” arrives as a quietly arresting debut single on British indie label Damelyn Records. From the first notes, the song sets a reflective tone, pairing lyrical sophistication with melodic nuance. The accompanying lyric video, created by painter and animator Vanessa Brassey, elevates the music into a fully immersive visual journey.
Read the full review at ModernMystery
"Vanessa Brassey’s lyric video mirrors this narrative, with flowing visuals that let the story emerge naturally."
Read the full review at Earmilk
"Brassey’s approach to animation is tactile and painterly, resisting the slickness of digital media to create warmth and texture. Her grounding in philosophy and fine art informs the project’s depth, ensuring the visual storytelling mirrors the song’s introspective qualities."
Read the full review at ModernMystery
"Brassey’s painterly animation gives the piece a tactile, almost handmade quality."
Read the full review at Earmilk