Jasmine Pradissitto is a London-based multi-disciplinary artist, scientist and academic whose work focusses on the themes of environmentalism and sustainability. Since 2018 she has pioneered the use of a ceramic geopolymer NoxorbTM that absorbs nitrogen dioxide pollution from the air. This branch of materials was discovered by chemist Joseph Davidovits.
Influences for her work include the worlds of science, neuroscience, mythology, biomimicry, the industrial sublime and adaptation to an Anthropocene world.
Early life and education
Pradissitto was born in Taunton, Somerset. Her PhD from The Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering University College London, was in ‘The Rare Earth Doping of silicon in fiber optics’ 1996. Whilst at UCL, she simultaneously gained a foundation degree in fine art at Goldsmiths College. She subsequently completed a part time BA in fine art at the Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design in 2006.
Career
Pradissitto’s work primarily focusses on issues of environmentalism, ecology, sustainability and the intersection between art and science, and has been exhibited at over 70 exhibitions and shows worldwide.[1][2] including three solo exhibitions. As well as being a painter, she has become best known for her sculptures made of recycled plastics, natural materials and her unique use of NoxorbTMgeopolymer that absorbs the harmful pollutant nitrogen dioxide from the air.[3][4][5]
In 2018 Pradissitto was commissioned to work with the Mayor of London Fund and the Euston Town Business Regeneration District to produce Breathe, a sculpture produced with NoxorbTM.[6] The piece, which was inspired by the Greek statue, Winged Victory of Samothrace at The Louvre, formed part of the Euston Green Link walking route which was designed to encourage commuters to use less polluted streets around Euston station.[7][8]
In 2019 Pradissitto was commissioned to collaborate with Carrie Jenkinson, a milliner, to produce a hat for Serena Churchill, great-granddaughter of Winston Churchill, to wear at Ascot.[9] The hat featured plastic butterflies and was partially made from recycled plastic; Pradissitto says she used the hat as a means of highlighting the threats butterflies face from environmental change and endangered biodiverse habitats.[10]
Between 2017 and 2020 Pradissitto was represented by Marine Tanguy and MTArt Agency. In 2020 she was among a group of MTArt Agency artists who designed a series of bottles for eco-friendly cleaning brand Method.[11]
In May 2020 Pradissitto produced a new sculpture, Flower Girl, for a specially planted bee garden at the Horniman Museum in London. Made entirely of NoxorbTM the sculpture is able to absorb up to 15% of its own weight in NOx molecules. The piece was designed to help local bees, as nitrogen dioxide masks the smell of flowers and prevents bees from being able to find food.[4]
Later in 2020 Pradissitto was shortlisted for the inaugural Sustainability First Art Prize.[12] and in 2021 won the PEA award (The People, Environment, Achievement Award for Pioneering Art).
Between 2023 and 2025 Pradissitto explored the ideas of the industrial sublime and the Anthropocene. This culminated in a solo exhibition Tender Machines:Holding Paradox at The London Museum of Water and Steam.
Between 1998 and 2018 Pradissitto established an outreach education consultancy that taught STEAM subjects to children and teachers.[7] She has also lectured for companies including Glaxo and the BBC, and continues to speak on creative and divergent thinking for institutions including Polestar, Institute of Physics and the Institute of Civil Engineers.[citation needed] She is also a Visiting Lecturer on Creativity at the London South Bank University.[13][14] and a Fellow at The London Interdisciplinary School and The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce.
Personal life
Pradissitto lives in South London with her one son Ciaran Burns.[13]
Pradissitto’s son suffered an asthma attack in 2016 also served as an inspiration for her artwork and its focus on clean air and more sustainable ways of living.[1][15]
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