Alexandra Drysdale
May 2026
This month, Alexandra Drysdale joins The Rising Gallery with a collection of deeply contemplative works exploring balance, symbolism and the coexistence of opposing energies.
Working across painting, collage and drawing, Alexandra’s practice asks how abstraction can communicate a broader emotional and symbolic reality — one that alludes to the natural and visible world without directly representing it. Through line, colour and form, her work creates spaces where tension and harmony exist side by side.
At the heart of Alexandra’s work is an ongoing exploration of equilibrium. Her paintings are not concerned with recreating the visible world exactly as it appears, but instead seek to capture something more intuitive and expansive: a richer concept of reality shaped by memory, emotion and symbolic meaning.
Each artwork becomes an experiment in process and perception. Rather than disguising the raw language of graphic art — colour, line and composition — Alexandra allows these elements to remain visible and active within the work itself. The result is a body of work that feels both grounded and dreamlike, structured yet deeply expressive.
Alongside her paintings, Alexandra’s collages are created using discarded brown paper grocery bags — chosen for their muted colour, tactile surface and inherent lack of perceived value. Through transformation and reworking, these everyday materials are elevated into thoughtful and richly layered artworks, reflecting themes of renewal, fragility and hidden worth.
Also featured within the exhibition are a series of intimate crayon drawings created during Alexandra’s cancer treatment. These works carry a quiet immediacy and emotional honesty, documenting creativity as both refuge and resilience during a period of personal health crisis.
Alexandra has been a practising artist for more than thirty years. After graduating from Chelsea College of Art with a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art, she went on to complete an MFA at Cambridge School of Art. Alongside exhibiting extensively throughout her career, she has also worked as a History of Art lecturer. Her studio is currently based at 19 Commercial Road in Shepton Mallet.
Visitors can experience Alexandra Drysdale’s work throughout the month at The Rising Gallery within The Black Thistle — an independent botanical shop and creative space celebrating art, nature and slow living in the heart of Shepton Mallet.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear directly from Alexandra during a special artist talk on 21st May, 7pm–8.30pm, hosted in The Green Room at The Black Thistle.
During the evening, Alexandra will discuss her creative practice, inspirations and artistic process, offering further insight into the themes, materials and personal experiences that shape her work.
Spaces are limited and advance booking is recommended.