About
Fine Artist, Oil Painter, Modern Surrealist
Rosalynd Byass aims to visualise her mental reality with a focus on her experience with her mental health, living with disabilities and her queerness, creating surreal existential narratives with her own library of imagery. After graduating in 2022 with a Fine Art BA HONS degree from Newcastle College, she has focussed on creating art that represents a direct dialogue between her unconscious mind and her canvas. In particular, she is passionate about creating visual stories of feelings that are difficult to describe. This leads to many of her works being dark in nature, showing the complexities of trauma, living with depression and anxiety and her awareness of the existential dread that comes with living as a human being.
What is a MODERN SURREALIST?
Surrealism was an art movement that began in 1920s Paris, and the main aim of it was to unlock the unconscious mind and capture the true function of thought - in other words, to express what is truly going on inside our minds past all the walls of judgement, worry and sensibilities. I have done extensive research into surrealism, including writing an over 8000 word dissertation where I discussed how the artwork from the movement demonstrated the different facets of mental health.
My mind has always been cluttered. I have anxiety, OCD, depression and trauma that I have lived with for years. I have also faced illness, chronic pain and living with my disabilities. Surrealism is my way of expressing all of this to declutter my unconscious mind. Our unconscious is always filled with things - where do you think your dreams come from?
I personally believe historical surrealism demonstrated the importance of mental health far before it was broadly recognised, and so I declare myself a MODERN SURREALIST to continue the movement and not only help myself feel lighter, but to hopefully make people like you feel like you are not alone.
Artist in Residence at Newcastle College 2025-26
-
My First Studio Space
I have access to a large space and facilities and as a result, I am able to create the largest paintings I have ever done.
(Pictured above: A screenshot from a video I posted to my socials where I am dancing in my studio)
-
My First Solo Exhibition
In 2026, I will have my first solo exhibition in the Mandela Gallery. The exhibition will be about how I have coped since my mam passed away in 2023. It will be a celebration of her as well as a demonstration of the journey I have had since she left.
(Pictured above: A photo taken on the day of my graduation, I am standing with my mam)
-
Follow My Journey
I am posting about the journey in creating my first solo exhibition on my socials, so follow to be the first to know when the date is finalised!
(Pictured above: Myself next to one of the paintings I am working on)
2023 Album Cover Commission for Chap Hop Sensation Mr. B
-
A Musician That Got Me Through Hard Times
I have loved his music since I was a young teen; I have vivid memories of being on the bus, dreading going to school, and feeling better while listening to his music. His music helped me to continue to strive to be myself despite the bullying and self hatred.
(Pictured above: 51 x 51 cm oil painting of Mr. B's 2023 album 'National Treasure')
-
A Dream Come True
We connected over IG when I messaged him thanking him for giving me so many happy memories with my mam before she passed away in 2023. She and I loved Mr. B; we especially loved his parody song “Paper Plates”; almost every time we would have a cup of tea we would say “Ahh! Nice cup of tea!”
She always wanted me to be myself, and so she helped me become the “chap” that I always wanted to be, buying me tweed and even a top hat and tails for my prom. I will always think of her when I listen to his music. I know that wherever she is, she is bouncing off the walls with delight that I have met him, finally seen him live, and painted an album cover for him.(Pictured above: I am holding the CD case of the album)
-
Personal Significance
Creating this painting is one of my greatest achievements in my life so far. I enjoyed the process so much as Mr. B had faith in me as an artist, and allowed me to express my artistic style and voice whilst also keeping his ideas in mind. This commission represents the hardships I went through as a teenager, my adoration for Mr. B as a talented musician, and the memories of my mam who was always my cheerleader.
(Pictured above: I am holding the pocket square that Mr. B sells with the album cover on)
2024
-
Column
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
-
Column
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
-
Column
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.