From an artistic interest in the consideration of emotive human experiences, Liz Gridley’s work centers on her experiences of states of hyper-emotion. Distress arises from overstimulation; feelings of overwhelm from external stimuli that cause a physical response in the body. Though the recent revelation of her diagnosis with ADHD has shed light on Gridley’s emotional nature, hyper-emotion remains a core element of her personality and sense of self. 

Meditation, contemplative thought, and catharsis regulate this emotional response and re-centres the body, only to then anticipate the next emotional wave. Through contemporary figurative oil paintings Gridley reflects her internal states and connects viscerally with the viewer.

The personal inevitability of death & death care is a point in which dialogue can be culturally celebrated or silenced. Here Gridley’s experience with hyper-emotion makes room for conversation that is often taken for granted or pushed aside as taboo.

Gridley had her debut solo exhibition ‘Empathy, My Witness’ in 2018 at Off The Kerb Gallery following her Major Prize win at the Graeme Hildebrand Art Prize in 2017. She has been a Finalist in a number of awards including the Lester Prize, Kennedy Art Prize, Cliftons Art Prize, the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Art Prize (USA), and the fortyfive downstairs Emerging Art Prize. Gridley has been awarded a place in the “2024 Inaugural Victorian Artists Society Coterie” sponsored by the Hansen Little Foundation. She has also completed recent public art demonstrations and mentored other emerging artists.