Rhea observes aesthetic consumer culture through still life, drawing from art history, heritage, and popular culture. She examines vulnerability and identity by imbuing domestic objects with anthropomorphic qualities, creating unconventional compositions where traditional motifs such as florals will take on human-like characteristics. The inclusion of the Maltese cross or wider-known emblem of The Knights Hospitalier introduces historical symbolism, connecting her work to themes of service, sacrifice, and dedication, adding depth to her exploration of identity.
Her oil paintings convey narratives about the futility of materialism, the importance of conservation, and the value of modest living. For example, the displacement of a vase—a traditional symbol of purity and the sacred feminine—signals a departure from conventional representations.
Rhea's pieces explore the erosion of traditional values and symbols, replaced by more ephemeral and materialistic elements of modern life, raising questions about what has been lost and what remains.
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 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