Eileen Barlow Grove

Chilean Artist, based in the UK.

Artist Statement:
My art explores the inherent human-nature relationship and the social and environmental forces that shape our definitions of self. I depict the human figure in this context, to delve into cultural ties and our generational link to the broader ecosystem. 

My floral series, in contrast, aim to call for an idyllic state of mind, each piece is a reminder of an ephemeral trait of paradise that flows as a manifesto of life. 

Currently, watercolor is my medium of choice due to its versatility, expressive capabilities, and sustainability. I translate the attributes and patterns from everyday scenes and nature, into vibrant hues, and expressive lines, creating a memento of the experience in that space in time.

My artistic journey has been rooted in the need to create and understand the complex relationship between culture, identity, belonging, and hope. Growing up in the coast in central Chile, I found a constant sense of connection in nature -from the dramatic skies over the Pacific and the mighty Andes Mountains to the resilient blossoms of the Atacama Desert and the wilderness of the native forests in the south. 

Still focused on natural habitats and people, through my art, I observe how we engage with the environment as a society, how we interact and connect with each other, aiming for a positive impact in the community, while navigating the complexities of a sustainable art practice.

Bio:

Eileen did her first Fine Arts foundation year in 2002, at Escuela de Bellas Artes de Valparaiso, Chile, and went on to studying Professional Advertising in 2003, graduating in 2007. 

Back to study Fine Arts at Escuela de Bellas Artes in Viña del Mar (2008-2011), Eileen specialised in oil painting for 3 years, while freelancing part time with SMEs as an art director and digital marketing consultant.

Having landed a full-time job in Corporate and Professional Services in late 2011, Eileen took a break from her art career. Her work experience includes leading a competitive intelligence research team across a range of business sectors and markets, as well as innovation & project management.

Already as a mother of 2, Eileen moved to London early in 2019 deciding to take time away from the corporate world. She resumed her artistic journey exploring watercolours in 2020, right after giving birth to her third son.

Currently living close to the River Thames and Richmond Park, Eileen still spends most of her free time outdoors with her children, and volunteering in different activities. Alongside her art practice, she works part-time as a speech and language therapy assistant with children.

Exhibitions/Fairs

  • The London Illustration Fair Guest Market at Old Spitalfields Market, London. Sept 2025.
  • Creative Mile Art Trail. ANIMA Elemental Expression, Ferry Quays, Brentford, London. August 2025
  • "Affordable Art Tent", Arts Richmond at Richmond May Fair, Richmond Upon Thames, London. May 2025.
  • CSW at Orleans House Gallery. Twichenham, London. November 2024
  • "Twickmas" Market, The cabbage Patch, Twichenham, London. December 2024
  • Saint Margarets Fair, self-curated exhibition/stall, Saint Margarets, London. July 2024
  • "A Taste of Twickenham" Art Fair, self-curated exhibition/stall. Twickenham, London. June 2024
  • "Affordable Art Tent", Arts Richmond at Richmond May Fair, Richmond Upon Thames. May 2024.
  • Winter Exhibition at Kew Art Studio. Kew, Richmond Upon Thames, London. December 2023
  • "Twickmas" Market, The cabbage Patch, Twickenham, London. December 2023
  • "JustaCard + HandMadeHour" Indie Week (online) November 2023.
  • Winter Exhibition at Kew Art Studio. Kew, Richmond Upon Thames, UK. December 2022
  • "Bienal Escuela Bellas Artes Viña del Mar", Universidad Santo Tomás. Viña del Mar, Chile. 2011
  • “Precario”, Instalación Audiovisual, colectivo SDR. Sala Carlos Hermosilla, Anfiteatro V Vergara. Viña del Mar, Chile 2011
  • “Arte in Situ Día del Patrimonio”. Exposición colectiva de Pintura en Instituto Chileno Norteamericano de Cultura. Valparaíso, Chile. 2010
  • "Expo Colectiva BBAA Viña del Mar", at Balmaceda Arte Joven. Valparaiso, Chile. 2011
  • "Expo Pintura, Colectivo Taller Prof. Germán Von Appen", Foyer Teatro Municipal Viña del Mar, Chile. 2010.