Scottish artist Jess Simpson’s work explores the complex relationship between lived experience and the ways places are remembered over time. Through painting and printmaking, her work examines the shifting space between nostalgia and reality, reflecting on the changing landscape of Scotland’s New Towns and the impact these environments have on personal identity. Rich with recurring motifs, layered imagery, and references to public art, Jess’ paintings invite viewers to consider their own connections to home, memory, and the stories embedded within familiar places.
“As an artist, I am intrigued by the concept of memory and how as an individual, my memories of growing up present themselves to me today. My practice has always been heavily inspired by my hometown of Glenrothes, and my often-skewed view of the place I call home. These two pieces ‘Back Park’ and ‘Danny and Archie’ are from a body of work entitled ‘Hippo Town’. A series created for my final year degree show at DJCAD, a final statement on the complicated subject of Scottish New Towns that I have been enveloped in throughout my four years at university. These acrylic paintings are inspired by the contradiction between my memories of Glenrothes and the reality of the place today, the decay of the town center and beyond, unfortunately a common fate for the Scottish New Towns. Glenrothes’ public art has also been a huge inspiration within my work, making me question in what ways we can weave the whimsical into everyday life.
Jess graduated with a BA (Hons) Fine Art from Duncan of Joradanstone School of Art & Design ’26. We are delighted to be featuring Jess in our BREAKOUTS exhibition.
