When DMU Fine Art graduate Jemisha Maadhavji was asked if she would like to take part in a BBC programme involving painting portraits, she was only too happy to take up the challenge.
But what Jemisha did not realise at the time was quite how popular BBC One’s Extraordinary Portraits was, with it going out at peak time to an audience of millions.
Jemisha, the portrait, Bill Bailey (behind painting) and subject Grace
However, thanks to a crack production team, an incredible subject, comic host Bill Bailey’s good humour and Jemisha’s huge talent, the show was a resounding success when it aired last week.
Portrait painter Jemisha was commissioned to produce an art work that captured the spirit of NHS A&E doctor Grace, who was disabled after a man fell three storeys and landed head first on her back
The programme tracked wheelchair user Grace’s story of courage and determination to become the doctor she had always aspired to be, while showing how Jemisha gathered information and sketches and built a bond with Grace to inform her portrait.
The programme finished with Jemisha pulling a cloth away from her finished portrait as a big reveal to Grace and her family and friends, with their reactions tugging at the viewers’ heartstrings for a bit of great TV.
The Guardian review said: “The pairing of these women makes for an especially moving episode of this always emotional show.”
Jemisha on set for the filming of BBC One's Extraordinary Portraits
Jemisha, who received a BA and MA in Fine Art from DMU, said: “I had not seen the show until it went out on Monday. I did see a rough cut a couple of months ago so had an idea of how it may look but I have to say the whole show was amazing.
“I was super happy with the way the show was directed and the way the painting was revealed.
“I knew about the program last year as some artists I know were part of it and since then I really wanted to be part of the show. And months later I was invited to be part of the show which was like a blessing.
“But I’m glad I didn’t know much when I started the painting. I would have been far more nervous than I actually was.”
Grace at Jemisha's studio in Leicester's LCB depot
Jemisha was first approached by the Extraordinary Portraits team in November last year when they told her they had come across her work and were planning to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS by commissioning portraits of hero health workers. Jemisha then set up a series of meetings with Grace to learn more about her subject.
“I had a number of meetings with Grace, in the studio, working in the hospital and in her house, where I spoke to her partner. I spoke to Grace about her life and her favourite colours before we had dinner together. We then met in my studio in the LCB Depot with her best friend.
“I usually spend 45 minutes to an hour with a model to find out more about them, so this was lovely being able to spend extra time with Grace and get to know her more.
“I decided to paint her in one of her favourite outfits because we don’t usually see doctors out of uniform and so never see who they are outside of a hospital.
“When I finished the painting I just really wanted Grace and her family and friends to really like it and think ‘that is me’ or ‘that is my daughter’ or ‘that is my best friend’.
Grace, Bill Bailey and Jemisha on set
“I’ve never had to reveal a painting before so, when I pulled the cloth away, I was so nervous. But after the reveal they were very happy.
“I felt there was more of a friendly relationship between Grace and I. We are both the same age and it was very easy to connect with each other. It meant the whole process was very informal and far more relaxed.”
“We have stayed in touch. In fact, we were texting each other last week. I felt really lucky to be working with Bill Bailey. I had friends telling me ‘Wow! You are working with HIM!’.
One of Jemisha's portraits in Nottingham Castle
“He was very much a normal person when I met him. There were no barriers or perceived hierarchy and he was very experienced. I learned a lot from him. He was great fun too.”
Grace and Jemisha’s journey can be seen on BBC One’s Extraordinary Portraits on BBC iPlayer here.
Jemisha’s stunning portraits can currently be seen at an exhibition in Nottingham Castle and viewed on her Instagram @jemisha_maadhavji
Jemisha was one of the artists selected for the prestigious Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2022
Posted on Monday 31 July 2023