Celebrating 10 years of the Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards.

We’re thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite’s Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to 10 portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect

Featuring over 10 existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist Halla Groves-Raines’ first solo exhibition in a public gallery.

Halla is deeply inspired by patterns, drawing from fabrics collected from various sources – both discovered and handed down through generations. Her intimate paintings are created during life sessions using oil on board, showcasing patterned clothing or upholstery belonging to her subjects.

This creative process weaves personal stories into her art, highlighting the genuine connections that Halla cherishes between herself and her sitters. Once the initial work is complete, Halla retreats to her home studio to add the final touches, using photographs to capture every detail.