About Sofia Barton
Sofia Barton is a multidisciplinary artist based in the North East of England whose practice is significantly shaped by her Punjabi heritage. Sofia's work is an ongoing exploration of hybrid identities, delving into cultural artefacts, hidden histories and folklore to reveal the interconnections between diverse cultures and their environments.
A graduate of Photography and Film from Edinburgh Napier University in 2012, Sofia's creative journey initially included media roles, such as facilitation work with BBC Scotland. Her focus shifted from documentary photography to a visual arts practice following a medical diagnosis and influential artist residency with Nasty Women in 2019.
Sofia's projects are characterised by meticulous research, often featuring deep engagement with significant regional archives like The British Library, Tyneside Cinema and Tyne and Wear Museums. Her insights are further shared through articles published by organisations like AXIS and Historic England.
Rooted in a fluid visual approach that integrates illustration, painting and photography, Sofia maintains a vital Social Arts Practice. This methodology weaves together intimate narratives from local communities with broader themes of heritage, well-being, as well as environmental sustainability, driving social change through participatory artwork. She advocates fiercely for marginalised voices, creating specialised workshops, educational resources and public-facing outputs such as community murals with curated exhibitions in partnership with charities and community groups.
You can follow Sofia on Instagram - @SofiaBartonArt
Read more about Sofia's projects & exhibitions on their website - SofiaBarton.co.uk
Hear Sofia Barton on the ArtyParti podcast:
We toured Sofia's exhibition 'Death Magic', at the Vane Gallery in Gateshead.
‘Death Magic’ is a poignant journey through the intersection of neurodivergent experience and the rich tapestry of Punjabi perspectives on death, ancestry, and the enduring power of memory. The exhibition was part of the GemArts Masala Festival and showed at Vane from 14th July - 2nd August 2025.
A diverse collection of drawings, ethereal cyanotypes on glass, evocative paintings and screen prints explored themes of roots, legacy, and how the essence of loved ones remains woven into the fabric of our lives, informed by both personal neurodivergent experiences and Punjabi cultural narratives. ‘Death Magic’ invites contemplation on the delicate connections between life and remembrance.
The exhibition consisted of three workshops, two of which were led by Sofia Barton with Art Diamonds and North East Deaf Awareness. Artist Sullivan Alenezi was invited to facilitate the final workshop ‘Threads of Remembrance’ and artist Grace Denton created a video response to the exhibition.
