Attenborough Arts Centre presents a new solo exhibition by Leicester artist Jemisha Maadhavji, on view from until 14 March 2027. Bringing together painting and sculpture, the exhibition explores portraiture and identity, reflecting upon the artist’s concept of luxury as a deep connection to nature.
Based in Leicester and of Indian heritage, Maadhavji draws on the vibrancy of her diverse neighbourhood and her upbringing in the city. Sari shops, hand-embroidered and block-printed textiles, and Indian confectioners act as a reference point for the vivid colour and intricate patterns in her work
After studying at De Montfort University, her work was selected for Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2022, and in 2023 she created a portrait of NHS junior doctor, Grace Spence Green, for the BBC series Extraordinary Portraits.
Working primarily in oil, her practice explores identity, fashion, and representation. Inspired by luxury interiors and design Maadhavji places her sitters within imagined spaces composed of floral wallpapers, contrasting textiles, and blocks of bold colour. Her subjects - often encountered through street conversations whilst walking around Leicester or via social media - use fashion as a form of self-expression, reflecting her interest in the way clothing conveys identity and presence.
The exhibition features new paintings alongside existing works and a flower sculpture, inspired by her family’s history of jewellery making in Gujarat and made in collaboration with JM Jewellery.
Jemisha Maadhavji, said:
“I’ve always lived in Leicester and really enjoy being here. I feel the city is vibrant and rich in culture. The Golden Mile has been a point of reference and inspiration for my work, as have the city’s museums and the artistic heritage of the people that live here.”
Andrew Fletcher, Director, Attenborough Arts Centre, said:
"We are delighted to be showing Jemisha's work at Attenborough Arts Centre, which this year is celebrating a decade of championing contemporary artists. It is particularly exciting to present the work here in Leicester, where Jemisha lives and works. This exhibition gives our audiences the chance to discover an artist whose work is rooted in this place, but asks wider questions about identity, individuality and how we see ourselves.”
