Hello
My name is Vanessa Brassey
I am a figurative painter and a philosopher working in oil, acrylic, inks, and digital media on canvas, glass and metal. I aim to depict my local world in a way that resists simple naturalism. Beguiling the viewer with landscapes and portraits that resonate with emotional complexity and possibility.
I paint from life, from photographs, and from films. Conversely, I film paintings being made, being photographed, and being thought about (see films on my collaborations and Press pages). I am endlessly fascinated by how much time there is in still paintings, and how this can be best understood in comparison to film. Working in both mediums, has helped me synthesise the research I do as Co-Director of the CPA based at King's College London, where I completed my PhD in Philosophy. The painting, animating, designing, and filming all combine to inform my philosophy papers which have been published in several academic philosophy journals.
Some recent paintings have been exhibited in The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026, shortlisted for the National Portrait Gallery Portrait Awards 2026, while others have been finalists in Jackson's Art Prize 2025, BTA Art Prize 2025, British Contemporary Art Prize 2024, and the Emerging Women in Art prize 2023. I have also been long listed for The Royal Institute of Watercolours, and exhibited in ING Discerning Eye Mall Galleries (2023 and 2024), and the uber cool Unit 1 Gallery Workshop (do check it out if you are in London). I often exhibit 'The Swimmers' collection in cafes around Hampstead Heath where I started out in 2022. Recently, the Cinematic Men's Pond archival pigment print was invited and accepted into the Royal Free Charity public art collection in 2026.
If you saw the blockbuster movie We Live in Time with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, look out for my painting Brisk & Early Morning Swim on Hampstead Heath (2023), which is in their gorgeous kitchen.
(c) Photo credit with thanks to Daniela Luquini instagram @danielaluquini.co official photographer for Affordable Art Fair uk.
Painting & Philosophy
Alongside my studio practice, I collaborate with major museums on public projects that explore how art shapes the way we think, feel, and connect. I also write and teach philosophy, with a special interest in time, perception, and the emotional life of pictures. Whether through painting, conversation or research, I’m always looking for ways to make space for reflection – and to share something of the wonder I find in the everyday.
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"We enjoy our Family Portraits everyday of the week. The girls are fascinated by how they emerge from the paint."
Livia Paggi (Bloomberg)
"The painting is up on the kitchen wall and I LOVE it. Everyone comments as soon as they come in the rooms."
Jo Bowcock
"I collect - the Haiku Swimmer and NightSwimmer are my current favourites."
Kornelia Mund
"The Best Birthday present ever"
Swimmer, The Lido
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026
Gallery IX
Opening June 16 - August 24
Royal Academy, Green Park, London.
Read my review of dance performance 'NOVO'
From Sivan Rubinstein.
'Bacon & The Time of Monsters'
Short Documentary Philosophy Film
British Society of Aesthetics Grant Award 2026
In production, collaboration with Professor Ben Ware and Envis Media
'Cogito in 16mm'
Short Documentary Philosophy Research Film
British Society of Aesthetics Grant Award 2026
In production, collaboration with Dr. Marina Christodoulou and Envis Media
Routledge Book 'The Expression of Emotion in the Visual Arts'
Edited by Vanessa Brassey and Derek Matravers, Routledge - out now in paperback.
Events Recap Jan - June 2026
LOVE at The Philosophy Bar
Monday 9th February 6-8pm,
Colony Room Green (Mayfair)
Sold out.
The Frieze-Perediza Edit
Friday 17th April
Shoreditch Arts Club.
By invitation to Frieze members.
Affordable Art Fair, Hampstead Heath
PV May 6th- daily, 7 - 10 May,
Contemporarti Stand J9
Happy Place, g Both Gallery Highgate London
PV May 7th - daily 8-10 May,
323 Archway Road, opposite Highgate Tube.
Pop in for some joy.
'Artistic Intelligence'
Wednesday 27th May – Sunday 31st May
Fitzrovia Gallery139 Whitfield St, London W1T 5EN22/5
'FLESH' National Gallery
Friday Lates, 22nd May 6-8pm
Gallery 18, The National Gallery.
SOLD OUT
Live Events & Exhibitions
Vanessa Brassey Studio
Vanessa Brassey is a London-based figurative painter and academic philosopher, celebrated for her evocative paintings featuring swimmers, landscapes, and portraits.