Norah Nona Solo Show: The Covering of the Head

Article: Christopher George

Acclaimed makeup artist Norah Nona changes her style of brushes and moves into fine art. 

After 30 years of working as a make up artist, Nona seeks more control over her work and exchanges skin for canvas. In her up and coming exhibition she pulls back the veil looking at judgement. 


Painting of the skin is something you have done for many years. When did you start to paint on canvas and what brought you to this?
 
I have always painted but was never able to support myself just through painting alone.
Becoming a make-up artist was as good as doing a 30-year foundation course. 
 
The mask is a theme in this show, what are you revealing with this work, and also what have you been hiding up until now?
 
Judgment, criticism, condemning punishment. It’s all part of life but at what cost?
What have I been hiding? I suppose my voice to speak out.
 
Women rights and equality globally are being discussed, especially with this being 100 years since the vote was granted to women. 
How do you think the veil is still enforced if not physically but metaphorically on women?
 
A 100 years later and still women live with violence, slavery, discrimination; to be educated; to own property; to vote; women are entitled to all of these rights. Yet around the world, women and girls are still denied them, often simply because of their gender.
 
How long have you been working on this show?
 
I’ve been working on putting this exhibition together for over a year, it consisting of 10 strong pieces.
 
What is the fashion industry to you these days?
 
I’m more interested in style rather then fashion.
 
How is it working away from a team and isolated with your works? 
 
I’ve loved working as part of a team but also enjoy the stillness of ones-self. No outside clutter means my focus is channeled in the right direction.

Thanks Norah, a legend int he artis industry. 

Exhibition Details 
30th March until 1st April
Dee Dee’s
77 Hermes Hill SE 24 London
6.00 pm 11.00