Banana Holdwin is a multi-disciplinary artist based in South London. As a queer artist, Holdwin’s work draws on this experience, alongside themes of; self-discovery; connection to the natural world; and investigations of textured materials and layering realities.

They strive to create artwork which is inclusive and engaging for a diverse audience. During their MA studies in Fine Art, this vision was realised through their degree show piece: a three-room multi-sensory installation, The Dance of the Alien Fossils. The audience were invited to access the artwork through various sensory experiences and there were options for audience participation throughout. Holdwin sought to offer engagement with the artwork through various sensory experiences - interaction with the work on multiple levels of consciousness (rather than relying purely on visual stimulation).

The artist is concerned with creating environments which fully immerse the audience and request their active participation. The viewers are understood as active players in the environment rather than passive onlookers. Their research and commitment to this particular form of the Fine Art installation and viewer engagement is undoubtedly how Holdwin’s private practise unfolded onto the stage of community-based art projects and the founding of Club Bananas inclusive art workshops (est. 2025).

Holdwin studied Art History at Sussex University (2016-2019) and completed their MA in Fine Art at the University of East London in 2023. These studies introduced Holdwin to the Modern Art movements of Dada; Surrealism; and Abstract Expressionism. Banana’s interest in these movements and styles stemmed from an adoration of the bizarre; the otherworldly; and the bold. Playful and expressive artworks denying seriousness and precision, indulging the emotional and the energetic.

This link between emotion and motion is a theme that is continuous in Holdwin’s work.