Elsa James (1968-) deemed one of the Most Influential People in Essex with work in the collection such as Government Art Collection and Beecroft Art Gallery, Elsa James is a London born conceptual contemporary artist and activist. Drawing inspiration from her background and experiences, James' work tends to be pieces that capture your attention and that explore themes of the diaspora, gender, belonging. Her pieces also draw from her own identity in terms of being black and the experiences and stereotypes that follow. Her more recent notable work explores these themes in a past and present context that is showcased through a three part installation called Othered in a region that has been historically Othered (2022).   Instagram and Twitter: @thisiselsajames