Beth Mellett is a London based video, performance, and visual artist. Soon to graduate from BA Drawing at Camberwell College of Arts, her recent practise explores the space between photography and drawing by creating representations of architecture and everyday objects using computer software. These digital images create a tension between what is real and what is simulation, a theme that has been of recurring interest for the artist.

With her recent work the importance of space and experience of the viewer has become more of a consideration, previous video work would exist confined to the screen - but these new rendered images have begun to occupy space as prints. This draws parallels to props or stage sets; they only hold up when viewed from a certain angle, the support systems are visible and break the illusion that had attempted to be made in the careful creation of the images.

Previous works by Mellett indulge in themes surrounding identity, social interaction, everyday performance, and class which often involved including herself in the work. Whilst not always using a camera she still considers her process a photographic one because of how the images are created through modelling, texturing, lighting and the final render before being communicated to an audience. The use of technology allows flexibility of materials and form.

Beth on Beyond Photography: I’ve never really considered myself a photographer. This could be because of the typical ideas of what a photographer should be. During my time studying at Camberwell, however, we have been continually encouraged to push what defines an artwork as a painting, sculpture, drawing or photograph in both our thinking and making, as well as what the future of fine art might look like. [...] The playful tension between reality and falsity forms an important part of the ideas that I’m currently working with regarding representation. Most recently I have begun exploring the capabilities of using digital animation software and considered, if cameras rendered realism obsolete in the realm of painting, what effect have computers had to the world of photography?