Redefining beauty standards through her vibrant portraits has earned Jemisha Maadhavji a significant feature in the art editions of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and India magazines.
Diamond of Beauty (oil and crystals on linen)
Paintings by the De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Fine Art MA student are inspired by her rich Indian heritage and luxury boutiques such as Liberty London, Gucci and Essie Carpets. They combine bold patterns and bright colours, drawing on traditional saris and block prints, as well as hand-embroidered and printed textiles.
The 24-year-old from Leicester said: “I pass Belgrave Road on a daily basis which is full of culture, and my parents are both from India, so a lot of my influences are western with an eastern layer.
“Indian outfits, traditions, and flowers are full of colour and personality, so that naturally shines through in my work.”
Favouring oil paints on canvas and linen, Jemisha sculpts textures with thick paint for flowers, and for textiles she uses a delicate technique of layering thin oil paint to create many layers with a smooth finish. Some of her newer work incorporates imitation jewels as well.
Hypnotica (oil on canvas)
Much of Jemisha’s inspiration stems from her subjects, often strangers she approaches after spotting them on the street or coming across them on social media.
“It’s an organic process and I know straight away. By selecting people with individuality, it’s also a message for those seeing my art. You don’t have to be influenced by celebrities, you can be true to yourself and start your own trend,” she said.
“We hear so much about beauty standards – that women should wear make-up, that flowers are too feminine for men. I like to push those standards because I believe that beauty is genderless.”
During lockdown Jemisha found alternative ways to stay productive at home, without access to the studio and facilities at DMU. The result is a departure from her usual style, which she has curated into an exhibition called Desires Never Desire, available to view online until Monday 12 April.
Perfumed Dreams (colour pencil and acrylic on paper)
She said: “The biggest difference is that these pieces are on a much smaller scale than usual, due to the restrictions of working from home. I used A4 paper with colour pencils, oil paints and dye.
“I feel like I’ve been in a dreamlike state during lockdown, so this exhibition is quite surreal. I used software to create the background and things like picture frames, wallpaper and other furniture.”
Having completed an Art and Design Foundation Diploma followed by a Fine Art BA (Hons) at DMU, Jemisha’s using her master’s to explore ways of incorporating textiles into her work.
“I’d love to go beyond that and try textile printing,” she said. “I like the idea of printing my own paintings and patterns on fabric to make scarves and other clothing.
Rose Boy (watercolour on paper)
“Also to create things like wallpaper, carpets and other furniture for my exhibitions. I see my paintings more as installations and I really want to exhibit my work beyond the traditional white wall.”
Sculpture is another skill Jemisha is keen to learn, but wants to take things one step at a time.
She said: “The reason I keep coming back to DMU is because of the excellent facilities and our ability to try every discipline available outside of our craft, from laser-cutting to fashion design.
“Our tutors are very supportive. They encourage you to go wild and explore whatever you want to.”
Jemisha is represented by London Connoisseur and is a member of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters.
Posted on Friday 26 March 2021