Helen Heslop is a Canberra-based contemporary artist whose works illuminate social issues, trauma and healing. She plays with pattern and repetition through a unique blend of sculpture, digital collage and textiles. Helen embraces these as symbolic elements in her works, reflecting the cyclical nature of societal issues and the potential for transformation and growth.

Helen’s work explores a range of relevant social issues including feminism, gender, colonialism and climate change, often through the lens of lived experience. Her pieces are characterised by intricate patterns, complex layers and a mix of materials. Her sculptures often feature recycled elements which she reclaims, repurposes and transforms into new forms that are imbued with new meanings. Her digital collages involve the juxtaposition of various images to create stimulating visual narratives that comment on contemporary issues.

Born in Zimbabwe and moving to Australia as a young child, Helen was affected by the cultural, social and environmental changes happening around her. She became increasingly aware of the trauma and injustices faced by people, particularly women and Indigenous Australians in her adopted country. She uses her art as a tool for exploring the intricacies of healing and resilience.

Through her art, Helen challenges societal norms, raises awareness about pressing social issues and advocates for change. Helen’s art often invites viewers to engage with their own emotions, perceptions, and the larger societal context in which they exist.

2024 - Recipient of the 2024 Peter and Lena Karmel Honours Scholarship in the School of Art

2024 - Bachelor of Visual Arts (Hons) - Australian National University

2022 - Bachelor of Visual Arts - Australian National University

2016 - Certificate IV Visual Arts - Canberra Institute of Technology

2002 - Graduate Diploma Information Technology - Charles Stuart University

1998 - Bachelor of Asian Studies and History (Hons)- University of Western Australia

2024 Dark Silhouette - M16 Artspace, Griffith ACT

2023 “35S:149E Canberra Lived” Group Exhibition - Belco Arts ACT

2022 ANU Grad Show - ANU Gallery ACT

2019 Endangered Group Exhibition - Spiral Gallery Bega NSW

2019 Solo Exhibition Bingi Bingi - Spiral Gallery Bega NSW

2017 Solo Exhibition Bingi Bingi - Strathnairn Gallery ACT

2016 - 2019 Works exhibited at Levee Gallery Maitland NSW