1st Prize Winner, BearWolf Books Emerging Artist Award 2026

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2026

Gina Barnes

Title:

“Serval Cat” 

Medium & Dimensions:

 Oil on panel, 119 x 99cm

About the Artist

Gina Barnes is a painter based in the East Midlands, currently pursuing an MA in Fine Art: Painting at Camberwell College of Arts, London. She previously earned a BA in Illustration from the University of Northampton, where she was awarded the PDRA Residency at NN Contemporary during her final year. This residency marked a pivotal shift in her practice, as she transitioned from acrylics to exploring the potential of oil paint. The experience provided a period of reflection and experimentation, enabling Gina to refine and expand her visual language. At Camberwell, she continues to challenge and develop the boundaries of her painting practice.

“Serval Cat”: I’m an artist whose practice investigates the strangeness of our relationship with nature through surreal depictions of animals. By employing symbolism and unexpected assemblages, I aim to challenge familiar narratives and question how animals are perceived. My work reflects a lifelong fascination with both wildlife and domesticated creatures, alongside a growing awareness of the risks of misrepresentation in animal imagery. This fascination began in childhood, when I grew up surrounded by cats, dogs, rats, fish, and snails. I often felt a stronger connection with them than with people, and wondered why many others did not share the same perspective. That curiosity continues to shape my practice today, as I continue to reflect on our relationship with animals and nature.