Chichester exhibition is first solo show for Robyn Jacobs

Robyn, who was born in New Zealand, moved to the UK in her twenties and now works and lives in Hampshire and London, said: “This exhibition is my first solo show, and it offers a great space to bring together key ideas that run through my work.

“My practice centres around an exploration of trace and presence and how I experience and connect with place and landscape. My aim is to learn and develop ideas through the process of making itself, playing with both conscious and unconscious mark-making while focusing on the qualities of the materials I’m using. Local landscapes and site-specific residencies have played an important role in shaping this approach.

“This exhibition includes works on paper, collage, painting and 3D. The investigative nature of my approach to making is key to how I work, and that sense of exploration is given space to direct and influence the outcomes of my work. I hope that the viewer will engage with Expedition on an aesthetic level but also get a sense of the process behind the works, how materials, marks and ideas evolve and take form.”

Robyn added: “I was born in New Zealand and now live and work in Hampshire and London. Becoming an artist was always my ambition and completing an education played a big part in developing and building my practice. I completed a BA in fine art at UCA Farnham in 2013 and later went on to finish my MA in fine art in 2022.

“The experience of moving far from my country of birth is a continual influence in the way I work. A lot of what I do comes from wanting to focus and experience my surroundings in order to know and identify with my adopted homeland. I am particularly inspired by artists such as Eva Hesse, Cy Twombly and Julia Mehretu whose works continue to inform my practice.

“Over the years I have been involved in a number of collaborative groups where I have found support and courage to develop as an artist. I became a member of 6plus2 Art Collective in 2014, taking part in site-responsive residencies and exhibitions, and in 2015 I joined Sedici, exhibiting regularly with them.

“More recently, in 2025, I was pleased to be selected for the Wells Art Contemporary exhibition at Wells Cathedral. I presented an installation on the Chapter House Steps which felt like a significant turning point in my career.

“As this exhibition is my first solo show, Expedition will be important in the development of my art practice. It is a landmark event in my career, and I hope it will be the first of many and a springboard for future shows.”