2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the Notting Hill Carnival, and to mark that a local gallery held an open call for artists, with the theme “Notting Hill in Colour”. Although I wasn’t one of the successful applicants, I am over the moon with how this piece turned out.
In 2022 I was finally brave enough to attend j’ouvert for the first time, and on my own, and I experienced Carnival in a completely different way. The unrestrained and chaotic nature of it is deeply cathartic, and I now spend most of each year looking forward to the release it provides. In this painting I’ve tried to convey both the vibrancy and roots of j’ouvert, with two men playing jab walking into the colourful dawn.
If you’re a local then you’ll know I took artistic licence as that view down Ladbroke Grove is full south, and doesn’t get the sun coming directly along it until around midday ;)
This beautiful painting needs a home! Details below, please get in touch if you’re interested.
Title: J’ouvert on Ladbroke Grove
Medium: Watercolour
Dimensions: 18.5cm x 27.2cm (frame measures 24cm x 32.7cm)
Edition: signed original, supplied framed, and with a Certificate of Authenticity
Price: £250