Aspex Portsmouth

Thaïs Verhasselt

Thaïs Verhasselt is a practice-based visual artist who has a background in photography. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in Photography, which she qualified with honours at the University of Portsmouth. Her artistic practice focuses on visualising experiences through the use of participatory photographic installations and visual metaphors. The use of optical illusionary tricks seeks to explore a philosophy of seeing the world. Her projects explore themes such as illnesses, identities’ construct, visual perception and memory.

For nearly a decade, from 2010 to 2019, she primarily worked within the education sector, which contributed to her approach to art and visual expression through social engagement.

In 2022, Thaïs’ graduate artwork titled ‘Touch me with your eyes,’ which documented a friend’s journey through chemotherapy in 3D, received recognition. It was shortlisted for exhibition as part of the Platform Graduate Award by CVAN (Contemporary Visual Arts Network) at Aspex Portsmouth.

During this residency, the artist intends to research about ways to visualise and investigate the depths of sexual health narratives and work collaboratively towards a mixed media installation.

You can find out more about the series of workshops and events taking place during Thaïs’ residency by clicking the links below.

Associated activities