Sikelela Owen RA

Royal Academician Sikelela Owen’s work explores intimacy, motherhood, memories - whether real or constructed - and grief. Characterised by a muted, organic palette, her imagery aims, in the artist’s words, ‘to create a feeling, not illustrate a feeling’.

Sikelela works on a range of scales making paintings on canvas and paper, and more recently, limited edition prints. Her tender portraits use friends, family and wider images as subject matter. Figures are portrayed alone, or clustered in small groups, at leisure or at rest. The theme of continuity is reflected in the artist’s loose, flowing brushstrokes, whilst a lightness of touch is conveyed by layered translucent washes of paint.

Sikelela studied at Chelsea College of Art followed by the RA Schools, graduating in 2012. She has since exhibited widely with her work being shown in cities including London, Vienna, Milan, and Florence. Solo exhibitions have been held in London at James Freeman Gallery (2019 and 2021) and Taymour Grahne Projects (2021 and 2023). In July 2025, Oliver Projects Gallery presented Sikelela’s work in its inaugural group exhibition ‘A Day at the Seaside’. She has been awarded several prizes including The Dover Street Arts Club Award (2011) and the Richard Ford Award (2010). She was elected a Royal Academician in 2024.

Most recently, Sikelea was awarded the prestigious Wollaston Award for the most distinguished work at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition (2025). She lives and works in Essex.

We are looking forward to presenting Sikelela’s work at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair (13-16 November 2025). Please contact us to register your interest.