Kedisha Coakley: Artist Biography
20 October 2023
Learn about acclaimed contemporary artist Kedisha Coakley, known for her sculpture, photography and printmaking that reframes history, culture and race. Read a biography covering her art studies, exhibitions, commissions and career in Sheffield and beyond.
Kedisha Coakley is an acclaimed contemporary artist based in Sheffield, England. She was born in 1982 in London, England and went on to study Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University, earning both her BA and MFA.
Coakley works across mediums including sculpture, photography and printmaking. Her art often re-examines cultural symbols, reframes history and conventions around race, culture and curatorial practices.
After graduating, Coakley quickly gained recognition in the art world. In 2021, she had her first major solo exhibition titled 'Self-titled' at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park as part of their YSP Graduates award series spotlighting emerging talent.
Other key exhibitions featuring Coakley's work include the group shows 'In the Beginning' at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery in London (2022), and 'New Contemporaries 21' exhibited at Firstsite in Colchester and South London Gallery (2021).
In 2022, Coakley completed several high-profile commissions including the sculpture 'Carbon Creatures' for the BBC and Eden Project, as well as the public art campaign 'Celebrating Joy' for Jack Arts in Sheffield.
Throughout her career, Coakley has earned praise for her ability to reconsider and reframe objects, symbols, history and culture through her multilayered artworks. She frequently explores themes of race, identity and challenging existing conventions in the art world.
Kedisha Coakley continues to live and work in Sheffield, creating evocative artwork and cementing her reputation as one of the most exciting contemporary artists from England to emerge in recent years.