statement

Rhea Micallef-Gavin’s work engages with the intersections of aesthetic consumer culture, identity, and historical symbolism through the genre of still life. Drawing from art history and popular culture, her paintings explore the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, imbuing domestic objects and floral motifs with human-like characteristics that reflect the fragility of societal values.

Currently working on a series of floral portraits, the oil paintings delve into the symbolic use of flowers throughout history—as emblems of emotion, societal roles, and stages of life. Inspired by 16th century Dutch still life, classic literature, and popular culture her works serve as a tribute to historical references while critiquing contemporary values. The wilting flowers, painted with a muted palette, are metaphors for the decline of community in favour of material pursuits. Each flower acts as a messenger, aiming to evoke a sense of empathy, prompting the viewer to reflect on humanity’s current journey and the pressing need for slow living and conservation. By displacing familiar objects, like the almighty vase—a traditional symbol of purity and the sacred feminine—she challenges the viewer to reconsider their perceptions of value and identity. Her work ultimately raises questions about the loss of traditional values and what remains in their place, inviting quiet contemplation on our collective direction.

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bio

Rhea Micallef-Gavin, born and raised in Malta, is a London-based painter and printmaker. She graduated with first-class honours in Fashion BA from Ravensbourne University and has worked for designers such as Ashley Williams, Richard Quinn, and Robert Wun. Her roles included print assistance, pattern cutting, sewing, studio assistance, final shows, and launching collections. Upon graduation, her work was featured in 10 Magazine, Vogue Italia, Forbes, Love Magazine, and a featured interview with Twitch TV.

In 2019, one of her prints was selected for the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, inspiring her to pursue artistic endeavours. Her work then began to be selected for shows in London, Malta, and Cornwall. In 2021, she was awarded ‘The South West Collective’ exhibition award for a series of digital collages created for the ‘Finding a Way Home’ exhibition. In 2023, she was selected for The Order of Malta National Art Exhibition and curated her first group show, ‘Vanitas’, at one of London’s iconic jazz venues, Jazzlive At The Crypt. This led to her own radio show on Islington Radio, ‘Vices’, where she regularly invites musicians and artists to discuss the process of making art and exploring narratives.

Exhibitions  

The Art Studio Pop-UP, London, 2024
Lovers Churchyard, Annual Exhibition, Jazzlive At The Crypt, London 2024
The Little Picture Show, HighGate Contemporary Art May, 2024
JM Gallery, Salt & Stars, women's collective, Portobello Road, March 2024
Vanitas, Group Show, Curated & Presented, Jazzlive at The Crypt, August 2023
Order of Malta National Art Exhibition, Malta 2023
The English Riviera Summer Exhibition, Artizan Gallery, Torquay 2022
Ladies Drawing Club, Online, London 2022 Current/s, Desko, Malta 2021
Spring Show : The Mill, Malta 2021 Permanent Collection,
Marie Gallery 5, Malta 2021
The English Riviera Summer Exhibition, Artizan Gallery, Torquay 2021 The English Riviera Photography Showcase, Artizan Gallery, Torquay Award Winner 2021
The Holy Art, Virtual Exhibition, London 2021
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair 2019
London Bridge Festival of Positive Masculinity 2019