"These paintings are not meant to be quiet or pristine. They’re layered, textural, and a little chaotic — like India itself."
My first solo exhibition presents a series of animal portraits inspired by the richness of India’s wildlife and culture. Each painting focuses on an animal’s form, presence and spirit, while drawing on the visual language of the landscapes, architecture and traditions that surround it. Elephants with faded festival paint, a leopard within the dusky pink city of Jaipur and birds darting through temple courtyards. Drawing inspiration from miniature painting, architectural details and the textures of daily life, each work uses colour to echo sari fabrics, spice stalls and religious murals, capturing the way colour pulses through India with energy and emotion.
I travelled to India with my family for a month in December last year. I went with few expectations, knowing little about the country and having only seen poor representations of it online. From the moment I arrived, I felt an immediate connection. The warmth and brightness of the colour struck me first, mirrored by the warmth of the people. I was astonished by the richness of the natural world — alive with birdlife, wild animals and landscapes that felt boundless. I knew I wanted to create a body of work inspired by this place.
This exhibition would not be possible without my aunt and her company, Kelling Designs, whose work is deeply influenced by the textures and colours of India. To present my paintings alongside her designs feels very special, and I believe they speak beautifully to one another. I am also deeply grateful to Emma Horne Travel, who organised our trip and is generously sponsoring my opening night. Emma introduced me to the wonders of the country in a way I will never forget. She is a committed supporter of the Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES), a non-profit organisation working to break cycles of poverty and gender bias in rural northern India through free high-quality education, meals, uniforms, scholarships, safe transport and other essential support for girls. In regions where caste and gender still dictate opportunity, PPES offers a safe, inclusive space for learning, equipping girls with the skills and confidence to build independent futures. During our travels, we visited a school like this in Jaipur. The girls were full of energy and joy, and they deserve every chance in life. By donating a percentage of the proceeds from this exhibition to PPES, I hope to help make that future a little brighter.
The exhibition will be taking place through the month of October at Kelling Designs in Chelsea. All are welcome.
Kelling Designs, 3 Langton Street, Chelsea, London SW10 0JL