Open Theme nominee

Shot during the first lockdown of the pandemic in early 2020, I found the abstract, blurred colour behind the window a perfect metaphor for how we were all of a sudden cut off from the vibrant world we were used to, and perhaps took for granted.

I longed for the outside but realized I needed to find moments of joy and optimism in my newly confined space at home.

Rachel Nixon is a British-Canadian fine art photographer – and former journalist – based in Vancouver.

Having lived and worked across continents and cultures, Rachel explores issues such as a desire for connection with one’s heritage, and the wider world. She also considers themes of secrecy, isolation and memory.

Inspired by the potential of natural forms to offer unexpected perspectives, Rachel uses strategies including abstraction and fragmentation to bring these to the viewer’s attention.

In 2019, Rachel graduated with honours from the VanArts professional photography program in Vancouver. Her work has been exhibited internationally and received accolades including two Julia Margaret Cameron Awards for abstract photography.

Before committing full-time to visual art, Rachel had a 20-year career as a journalist and executive in the UK, US and Canada for organizations including the BBC, CBC and Microsoft where she developed and ran digital news services. Her passion for storytelling and innovation now extend to her visual work.

Rachel holds a first-class degree from the University of Oxford in Modern Languages, and is fluent in French and German. Her international experience brings with it a unique perspective on questions of identity, place and belonging, and the connections we share despite polarized times.