About

Ayesha Jones (b. 1990) is an artist based in the West Midlands. She works predominantly with photography and film and is interested in art as a catalyst for growth, healing and social impact.

Jones’ work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and she has won awards, including Magnum Photos and The Photography Show’s 30 under 30 international award, Portrait of Britain (2022 and 2023) and Decade of Change.

Jones’ solo exhibition Motherland was exhibited as part of Coventry City of Culture 2021. She uses her family lineage as a mixed heritage person, to highlight the interconnected nature of identity, humanity, nature and all things.

Jones has recently worked on a commission with Ikon Gallery and Birmingham Hospice, exploring themes around ageing and end of life. Her work 'Leave A Light In My Room' was exhibited at Ikon Gallery in August 2023.

Jones is currently on commission with Multistory and Gaia Foundation for the campaign "Feeding The UK." Jones is also working on a DYCP from Arts Council England developing work around the relationship between emotion and the body, through the lens of living with Scoliosis.

Work

Awards

BJP Decade of Change 2022 - Winner

RPS International Photography Exhibition 164 2022 - Shortlisted (awaiting finalist decision)

BJP Portrait of Britain 2021 - Winner

BJP Portrait of Humanity 2021 - Shortlisted

Youth of Excellence, Art Award, Nominated, 2015

Magnum Photos 30 under 30, winner, 2015 (and peoples choice award)

Open Generation, Our Voices, Best Film Winner, 2015

Exhibitons

Leave A Light In My Room, Solo Exhibition - Ikon Gallery, 2023

Open Walls, Galerie Huit Arles, France, 2023

Decade of Change - Belfast Photo Festival, 2022
Motherland, Solo Exhibition - Coventry City of Culture, 2022
Portrait of Britain, multiple JCDecaux screens, nationally
Coventry City Centre, In The City Festival, 2021
Arcadia Gallery Multiplicity of Us, 2021
Coventry City Centre, Coventry Hero’s, City of Culture Commission, 2020/21 Belgrade Theatre, Black Futures, 2020
Birmingham University School of Art, Self-Censored // Exposure, 2016
The Edge, Artist On The Edge, 2015
The Drum, Somewhereto_ Exhibit, 2015
Stryx, Contemporary Other Launch, Film Screening, 2015
NEC, The Photograohy Show, Magnum Photos 30 Under 30, 2015
Rivington Place, Our Voices, Film Screening, 2015
Tate Britain, Late at Tate, Visibly Invisible 2014
mac birmingham, Artist Rooms On Tour, Robbert Therrien, 2014
Truman Brewery, Free Range, View, 2012

TESTIMONIALS

“The success of this body of work derives from the fact that this does not become about self-pitty or an attempt to evoke sympathy. Jones has put herself at the centre of a project that addresses a range of topics relating to imposed ideals, societal roles, personal relationships and autobiography” - Adam Murray, Art Licks

"It’s the stark contrast of images that really challenges accepted notions of female beauty and imposed ideals." Dazed Online

“Absorbed in a world so consumed with sheer vanity, there’s nothing more refreshing then the work of Ayesha Jones. With a creativity that breathes authenticity…. Ayesha uses her illness to inspire her creative journey- and deliver an art which is both visually and intellectually fulfilling. At the core of her work is the notion of beauty affecting female desire, sexuality and even perceptions of what it means to be a woman. Yet the depth of her art also extends to wider society” - Euphoria online

“As a woman and mother of two daughters I love Ayesha Jones for showing the world that beauty comes from within. Thank you to this young woman for leading a beautiful life on her own terms. That's exactly the kind of beauty the world needs more of”- Anonymous Comment, Daily Mail

"Your story has inspired me to become more than how people look at me. It feels so wonderful to have someone who is like me to prove the world wrong that beauty comes from within the heart and soul"- Anonymous Comment , Daily Mail