Meet The Artist... Alma Singer
Alma Singer is the working name for Kent-based artist Carla Nizzola. Carla’s playfully thought-provoking work explores issues around value, art, identity, and female sexuality. Working under a pseudonym allows Carla to overcome the insecurities that come with exhibiting her work, and presents her with the opportunity to reveal aspects of herself that are often hidden from view.
Alma Singer signing her latest print release
“Being a thirty-six-year-old woman who makes badly drawn stick figures that are quite personal I thought I’d be laughed at for considering myself an artist. As Carla I’m a bit shy and insecure, but Alma Singer is the little part of me that couldn’t care less what people think.”
Nizzola went on to study fine art at Lancaster University and spent her early twenties making self-proclaimed ‘pretentious paintings that no-one, except my parents, wanted’, before putting the idea of being an artist to one side to pursue a career as a gallerist. It wasn’t until 15 years later that Carla was inspired to start making art again.
‘Head High’, 2023, Framed acrylic on paper, £1,250
Inspired by the work of David Shrigley, London-based mural artist Lakwena Maciver and Grayson Perry, Singer began creating work in January 2023 and from her first post on Instagram proved an immediate success amongst collectors. Since then she has released a series of prints via Jealous gallery, showcased her works in a number of prestigious galleries and had her work regularly smash their estimates at Bonham’s auction house.
“His works are so intricate but I think he’s kind of similar in the way that his maps and his prints and pottery talk about the social, political issues but in a tongue-in-cheek way, in a very British way”
In the first month of showing her work Carla was invited to show at the London Art Fair and offered solo exhibitions in London and the US. Her first prints were released in March at The Original Print Fair through Jealous gallery with both editions selling out by the opening night. Her work has since been included at prestigious auction houses alongside the likes of Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Tracey Emin.
Alma Singer has since launched her self-designed range of products, including artist materials, clothes and homeware, all of which available to purchase on her website.
“I’ve often struggled to find thing that really speak to me and represent who I am. For years I’ve wanted to make things that I actually want to wear or use or own. The response to Alma Singer makes me want to expand beyond simply making pictures”