Polymer gravure, 42 x 30cm, edition of 30

Sikelela Owen’s works explore 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 unique works and, in this case, limited edition prints. Her 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 sense of tenderness – and a lightness of touch - is conveyed by layered translucent washes of paint.

This limited edition print was made in 2025 using the polymer gravure process. To create the printing plate, the artist drew directly onto true-grain (similar to thin acetate) in ink. This positive image was then placed onto a solar, light-sensitive polymer plate and exposed with UV light. The resulting plate can then be printed from using a traditional printing press. We are pleased to have five unframed A/P’s (artist’s proofs) from this edition of 30 available for sale.

Sikelela studied at Cheslea 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). 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.

Polymer gravure, 42 x 30cm, edition of 30

Sikelela Owen’s works explore 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 unique works and, in this case, limited edition prints. Her 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 sense of tenderness – and a lightness of touch - is conveyed by layered translucent washes of paint.

This framed limited edition print is signed as a PP (printer’s proof), and was using the polymer gravure process. To create the printing plate, the artist drew directly onto true-grain (similar to thin acetate) in ink. This positive image was then placed onto a solar, light-sensitive polymer plate and exposed with UV light. The resulting plate can then be printed from using a traditional printing press. This work has been framed in oak with a walnut stain behind anti-reflective, UV 70% resistant glass.

Sikelela studied at Cheslea 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). 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.