"Painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.'
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso
Artist statement
Artist Statement
My nom de guerre (/ˌnäm də ˈɡer/) is Sierra Merda. I am an artist shaped by London’s vibrant underground scene, exploring work that challenges societal norms and celebrates authenticity in defiance of stereotypes.
I portray individuals who boldly embrace their bodies and identities, rejecting conventional expectations. Through bold brushstrokes and rich imagery, I create visceral portrayals that immerse viewers in dark yet compelling reflections of reality. The human form, with its beauty and vulnerability, is central to my practice—whether through an amputee pin-up figure or the quiet desperation of a female confronting her body image in a midnight kitchen.
Like all women, I was born into a world whose power structures—and very language—were shaped by men. My work wrestles with how I, as a female, can reclaim that language to speak. Earlier paintings reveal anger and fear, echoing the cultural weight of “women as victims.” Yet, through relentless practice, my work has shifted toward celebration: of survival, resilience, and triumph over subjugation. Where I once cowered, I now paint empowerment, freedom, and beauty in the face of hardship.
Beneath the sometimes satirical or ironic surface of my work lies a profound sadness and personal truth. Each canvas is both plea and protest, exploring the relationship between beauty and pain, obsession and mental health. Through a lens of internal strife and external defiance, my art illuminates the complexities of human existence. My goal is to reveal unconventional experiences, challenge taboos, and resonate with audiences who seek authenticity, empowerment, and truth in art.
My nom de guerre (/ˌnäm də ˈɡer/) is Sierra Merda. I am an artist shaped by London’s vibrant underground scene, exploring work that challenges societal norms and celebrates authenticity in defiance of stereotypes.
I portray individuals who boldly embrace their bodies and identities, rejecting conventional expectations. Through bold brushstrokes and rich imagery, I create visceral portrayals that immerse viewers in dark yet compelling reflections of reality. The human form, with its beauty and vulnerability, is central to my practice—whether through an amputee pin-up figure or the quiet desperation of a female confronting her body image in a midnight kitchen.
Like all women, I was born into a world whose power structures—and very language—were shaped by men. My work wrestles with how I, as a female, can reclaim that language to speak. Earlier paintings reveal anger and fear, echoing the cultural weight of “women as victims.” Yet, through relentless practice, my work has shifted toward celebration: of survival, resilience, and triumph over subjugation. Where I once cowered, I now paint empowerment, freedom, and beauty in the face of hardship.
Beneath the sometimes satirical or ironic surface of my work lies a profound sadness and personal truth. Each canvas is both plea and protest, exploring the relationship between beauty and pain, obsession and mental health. Through a lens of internal strife and external defiance, my art illuminates the complexities of human existence. My goal is to reveal unconventional experiences, challenge taboos, and resonate with audiences who seek authenticity, empowerment, and truth in art.