Sophie-Rose Walters at Seventh Circle

Welcome back Freddo's, a big thank you for continuing to be here, a place where you can keep up to date with the goings on within the incredible artist community here in Birmingham! I hope you all had a brilliant bank holiday last week, mine started off with a visit to the private view at Seventh Circle showcasing the works of Brummie artist Sophie-Rose Walters.

(Left) Sophie-Rose Walters, 'Watashi Wa Lady Komachi' , mixed media. (Right) 'The Korika of Kyoto' , mixed media

Seventh Circle is an incredible gallery based in Digbeth, providing opportunities to local artists with a goal of giving them a platform to display their work to an excited, engaged, and proactive audience. This exhibition titled 'Geisha', had a successful turn out and I enjoyed seeing some regulars dotted around. Like all creative spaces, support is essential for their continuation, so be sure to check them out if you're in the area.

Sophie-Rose Walters, (From top to bottom, left to right) 'The Makanai of Kanazawa, Chiyo, Sayaka, Adakichi, Aiko, Ayakazu, Aika', mixed media

The work radiated with bold colours, all contrasting each other yet working harmoniously together, combined with unique kimono patterns, and thoughtful details that dominated the collection. Strong brushstroke's added subtle texture, adopting a technique that allows the light to catch the surface as you move around the space. Geometric lines and opposing curves performed collectively as one, culminating in work that felt cohesive.

The scale of the works feels intimate and intentional. I'm curious to know how her work would translate on a larger surface, would this create more impact or would it just highlight the importance of their existing scale? I feel like the work would feel unnecessarily loud, loud in the wrong way, but instead here, a calm, slow, and more personal encounter. The work encourages close attention, They feel delicate, resisting grandeur in favour of something quieter. Saying that, the work is far from quiet but it feels familiar to the proportions of everyday life. More recognisable, grounded, and approachable. Deliberately restrained to focus on attention and presence rather than an obvious statement. It allows for a close inspection rather than overwhelming the viewer which I feel reflects the theme perfectly.

You can immediately recognise the skill and time put into this body of work. Over the past two years she has developed a collection of paintings that reflect her study and her evolving approach, work thats inspired by individual Geisha. Her process has involved collecting every small and beautiful detail about them to portray it through her work, taking her time to get to know them and show audiences the real story of the Geisha.

(Left) Sophie-Rose Walters, 'Hanako the Flower Child' , mixed media. (Right) 'Enko Circle Child' , mixed media

For more insight into her work, you can find Sophie-Rose on Instagram or head over to Seventh Circle. The exhibition is officially running until 10th April 2026, but you can catch it on the 11th too.