Michelle Baharier is an award-winning multi-media artist, known for her vibrant and emotionally charged artwork that often addresses barriers such as disability discrimination and prejudice. A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art, Baharier also studied at the Städelschule Fine Art Academy in Frankfurt, Germany. Her artistic journey has been shaped by her personal experiences with dyslexia and mental health challenges, which she openly discusses and incorporates into her work.
Early Education and Recognition:
Baharier's educational background at prestigious art institutions has significantly influenced her artistic development. Her time at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and the Städelschule in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, has contributed to her distinct style and approach to art. Her work, which includes digital portraits and sound pieces, is held in both public and private collections, such as the British Transport Museum and the Tate Sound Archive. She has been recognized with awards like the Glaxo Smith Kline Impact Award and the Julian Sullivan Award for her groundbreaking contributions to the arts.
Artistic Contributions and Exhibitions:
Baharier's artwork is a vivid reflection of her inner experiences and societal observations. Her recent solo portraiture exhibition, 'How Do I Make You Feel?', at The Foundry Gallery in London in 2023, is an example of her compelling work that encourages viewers to engage with her art. In 2017, she was commissioned to paint Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and seven other Paralympic athletes for Hoxton’s art wall. Her collaborative approach also included working with 'Vision', a group of learning-disabled artists. Founding of CoolTan Arts: Baharier is well-known for founding CoolTan Arts, an arts and mental health charity. This initiative, which won 27 awards and had artist Maggi Hambling as its patron, is a testament to Baharier's commitment to combining art with social activism. She co-founded the Largactyl Shuffle Walks and ran Midnight Walks, offering audiences live performances that blend myth with reality. Among her notable creations is Miss Havisham's wedding dress, created for a 2012 celebration of Charles Dickens' stories.
Diverse Artistic Practices:
Her oeuvre is rich and varied, encompassing colorful and expressive paintings, storytelling, poetry, performance, photography, installations, and digital media. This diversity not only showcases her talent but also her ability to express complex themes through multiple mediums. Advocacy and Personal Experience: Baharier's personal experiences with dyslexia and mental health issues have deeply influenced her art and advocacy. Growing up in a time when dyslexia was poorly understood, she faced mockery and discrimination, shaping her into a strong advocate for inclusion and mental health awareness. Her art often explores inner conflicts, the extremes of love and hate, hope and despair, laying bare her vulnerabilities to celebrate individuality and imperfection.
Current Engagements:
Baharier's art is available for commissions and has work you can purchase. She is also active in conducting workshops, talks, and residences as well as commissions. She is a regular blogger for Disability Arts Online and holds positions such as Chair of South London Women Artists and membership in various art collectives and galleries. Her commitment to using her art practice for social engagement and activism is evident in her involvement in community initiatives. Residing and working in London, Michelle Baharier continues to exhibit her work internationally, contributing significantly to the contemporary art scene with her unique perspective and socially engaged art.