Ashleigh Worden

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Artist Bio

My work exists in the space between allure and foreboding, where I create scenes that are both rich and liminal—intentionally defamiliarizing the familiar. Drawing on themes of the uncanny, the abject, and the existential, my paintings explore emotions that are difficult to articulate, often evoking a sense of existential dread. These feelings are inspired, in part, by my love for horror cinema, which influences my exploration of fear, discomfort, and the unknown.

In my work, a solitary lit window becomes a focal point—inviting curiosity and transforming the viewer into both an intruder and a voyeur. I document the mundane moments that shape our everyday experiences, questioning what we discover when we dwell in discomfort. How do our inner selves relate to the environments we inhabit, and how do they shape one another? These scenes often prompt a recognition of the void, the fragility of our existence, and the unsettling realisation that we are, at times, powerless in the face of life’s vast uncertainties.

The influence of horror cinema is woven throughout my work, particularly in the way it amplifies the ordinary to a point of terror. The uncanny lingers, its vast, intangible presence evoking a subtle yet palpable threat. This encounter with the unknown challenges our perception of comfort, making the familiar feel strange and unsettling. Within this tension, I explore the existential dread that arises from the contemplation of life’s uncertainties—forcing us to confront not only our own vulnerabilities but also the fragility of the world itself.

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Selected Work

Name: Untitled

This painting echoes existential themes and Lynchian surrealism. A dimly lit storefront and indistinct figure evoke isolation, absurdity, and suspended time. The glowing “OPEN” sign feels ironic in an alienated world. Familiar yet strange, the scene radiates latent dread—inviting the viewer into a quiet unease both cinematic and existential.

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