Wilted Orchid No.2

Aneira Thomas

Winner of the Emerging Art Prize Public Vote

Aneira Thomas’s work draws attention to the intricate patterns and textures found in the natural world, celebrating details that are often overlooked. Her paintings focus on organic rhythms - such as the veins in leaves, the ripples of water, or the textures of bark - inviting viewers to engage with the quiet yet enduring beauty that shapes our environment.

Thomas’s process is integral to her practice, encouraging a sense of slowness and reflection. By making her own paints and materials, she deepens her connection to the work, creating pieces that embody care and intentionality. Working with oil paints and distemper, she builds her surfaces through a careful layering process, allowing textures and repeated forms to emerge gradually. Her use of bold, vibrant colour emphasises these natural elements, while the interplay of pattern and texture mirrors the harmony and complexity of the natural world. 

Through this approach, Thomas transforms the familiar into something deeply resonant. By honing in on the intricate details of the everyday and embracing a process rooted in slowness and attention, her work inspires a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world, offering a space for reflection and connection.