Self Portrait in the Garb of a Nun (after Sofonisba Anguissola)

This paper collage work is the first in a new series, inserting myself into works from art history.

A portrait artwork by Alys Scott-Hawkins, showing a nun in white robes, made from cut paper and watercolour paint, on a black background She looks directly at the viewer and holds a paintbrush.

Self Portrait in the Garb of a Nun (after Sofonisba Anguissola), 2025, watercolour and paper collage on wood panel, 50cm x 65cm.

It ‘remixes’ a painting by the pioneering female Renaissance artist Anguissola, which I’ve long known and loved. It’s in the Southampton City Art Gallery collection and it’s familiar since wet Sunday afternoons of childhood, through many seasons of my life.

A close up detail of a portrait artwork showing a nun in white robes, made from cut paper and watercolour paint, on a black background. She looks directly at the viewer.

I exhibited it in September 2026 as part of ‘Unpeeled’, with _painterpainter_ collective: a group of artists who participated in alternative art school Turps’ Correspondence course.

A photograph of a gallery view, showing two artworks in the foreground. On the left is a portrait showing a nun in white robes, made from cut paper and watercolour paint, on a black background. On the right is a gestural abstract painting in pale pink tones.

‘Unpeeled’, 10-13 September 2026, The Department Store, London.

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