Nour Jaouda’s Story

What did you make during residency?

During my residency at PLOP, I spent a lot of time experimenting with textile cutouts and large-scale collage. I made two textile pieces that were exploring notions of movement and cultural displacement. I wanted to create work that would not only reflect the experiences I had in London, but also respond to the conversations and dialogue I had with the artists that worked alongside me during the residency.

What motivated you to apply?

After completing my BA in Fine art at the Ruskin School of Art in Oxford, I knew that I wanted to start off my career as an artist with a residency, as a way to explore the incredibly dynamic art scene in London and to meet other emerging artists!

London is such a culturally diverse place filled with incredible opportunities and many artists who have so much to say. PLOP for me was a brilliant platform to engage with other artists from all over the world and to hear their stories.

What are your favourite memories of London whilst taking part in PLOP?

By far my favourite memories at PLOP was getting to know my studio mates at the studios! We were all from completely different places with completely different backgrounds and practices but we all connected in so many ways. I learnt so much from their artistic processes and approaches to making. It was such great fun and so eye-opening!

What connections did you make whilst taking part in the residency?

Firstly, I made great connections with my studio mates, as well as Oli and Aindrea who ran the residency program and introduced us to many of the artists they're working with. I also got the opportunity to meet previous PLOP residency artists, and got to have a tutorial with a great art consultant and professional curator! I also got to meet many artists at all the openings we went to in London!

What have you been up to in the last 18 months since PLOP?

Since the PLOP residency in London, I did another residency in a gallery called Access gallery in Cairo Egypt, and then I started my MA in painting at the Royal College of Art!