On the evening of Thursday 8 October, ‘I Dream From Where You Are’ by Jemisha Maadhavji launched in Gallery 2 exploring portraiture, identity and reflecting upon the concept of luxury as a deep connection to nature.

Working primarily in oil, Jemisha’s practice explores identity, fashion, and representation. Inspired by luxury interiors and design, including Liberty and de Gournay designs, 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 or social media, use fashion as a form of self-expression, reflecting Maadhavji’s interest in the way clothing conveys identity and presence.

Based in Leicester and of Indian heritage, Maadhavji draws on the vibrancy of her diverse neighbourhood. 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.

Influenced by Susan Sontag’s Notes on ‘Camp’, Maadhavji’s work challenges conventional ideas of beauty, reimagining portraiture as a site where fashion, identity, and individuality intersect and the lines between masculine and feminine are redrawn.

Attended by Jemisha and her portrait sitters, the evening brought together communities to experience her work in an immersive space where the gallery was made to feel more like being at home. Speeches were held by Andrew Fletcher, Director of Attenborough Arts Centre, and Jemisha Maadhavji, who reflected upon her journey to this exhibition and the support she had from Attenborough Arts Centre to bring it to life.

Thank you for all who attended for making the event an incredible night, and we look forward to more of our communities exploring Jemisha’s work. As well as visiting the exhibition, we have free opportunities to get involved through our art resources available in the Salmon Gallery, upcoming Saturday Gallery Art Clubs, and our after-hours art experience Attenborough Late.

‘I Dream From Where You Are’ will be exhibited in Gallery 2 at Attenborough Arts Centre from 9 October 2026 to 14 March 2027, free for all. To learn more about the exhibition, click here.

Want to explore more now? As part of Bloomberg Connects app, we offer a unique way to explore our venue and galleries. This free digital guide offers opportunities to learn about our current and past exhibitions, our upcoming events, video content, maps of our centre and more. It’s a wonderful way to stay connected and find out more – either while you’re visiting in person, or virtually. To learn more, click here to visit our website.

Exhibition Accessibility:

• Our friendly team of volunteers and gallery invigilators can tell you more about the artworks and artists.
• Sound and light levels can be adjusted.
• Seating is available in all gallery spaces.
• Gallery interpretation is produced in large print as standard.
• A braille guide for the exhibition is also available from the gallery desk.
• Film and video artworks are subtitled, or where this is not possible a transcript will be available.
• Ear defenders are available from the gallery desk.
• A full guide to accessibility and facilities information across our spaces can be accessed by clicking here.

If you require an adjustment that isn’t mentioned please contact us ahead of your visit and we will try to meet your request within our capacity. Email at arts-centre@le.ac.uk or call 01162522455