The Chapel presents a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, and sculpture by multidisciplinary artist Emily Hoyle. Classical styles of painting and drawing are sensitively integrated into the contemporary moment, honouring common human experiences across varying time and place. Emily draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, influenced by archetypal stories across theology, art history, literature and psychology. Ancient and enduring human truths are illuminated with renewed freshness.
A childhood spent on the rural Warwickshire-Oxfordshire border greatly influenced Emily. She lived and worked alongside animals, which now appear as recurring symbols in her artwork. Moments of great tension and drama, always present in the natural world, are contrasted with a meditative stillness and focus.
A background studying and performing classical music also helped Emily hone her artistry, attuning her attention to what can be felt as well as what can be seen. Time spent as a choral scholar at Wadham College introduced her to the richness of Oxford’s sacred spaces, particularly influencing the title of this exhibition. The Chapel, just like its namesake, aims to encourage reflection in an intimate and quiet environment.
Emily Hoyle is a recent graduate of The Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford. She has had an exciting early career, with her painting, drawing, and sculpture already featured in private collections in the UK and New Zealand. Alongside her practice as an artist, Emily enjoys tutoring and mentoring young artists, helping them to fulfil their creative and academic potential.
Emily is the ArtsLab visual artist for 2025. Through the ArtsLab programme each year The North Wall supports a talented, early career artist to stage an exhibition in the gallery.
Exhibition Opening
Wednesday 8 January 6 – 8pm
Please join us to celebrate the opening of the exhibition
Free entry / No booking required
Creative Thursday
Thursday 9 January 6 – 8pm
All Oxford creatives welcome for drinks in the gallery. Artist will be present.
Free entry / No booking required
Meet The Artist
Talk and tour Thursday 16 January 11am-12pm
