'I did not have to be anyone but myself' - PhD praises uni as solo exhibition goes on display

An artist and researcher, Juanrie Strydom has been undertaking a PhD by practice research at Solent University and is influenced by her experiences as someone with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegia. During her PhD, Juanrie has analysed the historical context and issues in the representation of disability whilst exploring innovative methods of visually communicating her experiences.

Out of Order, Juanrie's first solo exhibition as an early-career artist, explores a two-month period when she was confined to her home because of a broken lift. The early-career artist's work incorporates photography and mixed-media elements and, in Out of Order, invites the viewer to take a glimpse inside a personal period in her life.

On having a solo exhibition, Juanrie says, "It's very exciting! It feels like a dream. I have a list of things I want to achieve one day, and an exhibition in a gallery was one of the main things. I am grateful for the opportunity to exhibit my work and could not have done it without the support of the people at the John Hansard Gallery and Solent."

Juanrie has spent 11 years at Solent, first as an undergraduate, later as a master's student and, most recently, as a PhD candidate. She credits her time at the University for supporting her in achieving her first solo exhibition:

"My time at Solent has significantly helped me develop as a creative. Solent formed the foundations of my practice, providing the space to discover my strengths and passion for making artwork and researching my personal experiences with my disability.

"I was encouraged and supported at every stage of my studies to explore the concepts that matter to me. As a practitioner with a physical disability, I felt like I could do anything I set my mind to and challenge myself to find new way to make artworks with and around my disability. I did not have to be anyone but myself."

Out of Order is now available to view at the John Hansard Gallery until Saturday 31 January 2026. 

Find out more about Solent's courses in art and design here.