Coca Cola, kimonos, and the beauty of city streets: artist Pam Glew

Glew is famed for making art that draws on themes of “idols, patriotism and cultural heritage”: stars and stripes abound, rendered eerie and sinister through her use of dark, muddied tones and thick brushwork. “I both love flags and hate them in equal measure. They are beautiful objects, often intricately made with great embroidery or appliqué,” says Glew.

Pieces like this are going on show alongside her kimono works in a new show called Nocturnes at London’s Exhibitionist Hotel. Here, she introduces the “Samurai as the Woman Warrior where ghostly images of female faces appear through the layers of the fabric,” according to exhibition organisers. They add that Glew is fascinated by the simplicity of the kimono, which she describes as a “brilliant design icon” thanks to the fact it’s an “early zero waste garment.”

She adds: “It’s funny to think that we are now getting in touch with sustainable fashion and slow living, coming full circle to what has been the norm in Japan since the Heian Period (AD 794-1192)”. However, Glew’s creations aren’t made to be worn, but to act as warnings around the dangers of power and global corporations.

As well as her flag and kimono-based pieces, the show will also present portraits and cityscapes: “there is something purely beautiful about city lights and streets”, says the artist.

Nocturnes runs until 15 February 2018 at London’s Exhibitionist Hotel.