Part of an ongoing series of contemplative portraits, May on Yellow Jumper depicts a figure quietly holding a black-and-white cat. The strong contrast between the cat and the surrounding colours draws attention to their intimate relationship. Working on a smaller scale gives the figures an animated quality, drawing the viewer into a more intimate and personal encounter.

My practice explores painting and photography, focusing on portraiture and the human form within everyday environments. Through simplified form, colour and space, I explore mood, place and the relationship between the seen and unseen. My photographic work similarly considers the relationship between our internal and external selves.

Tahira is an interdisciplinary artist working across painting, photography and weaving. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and Wimbledon School of Art and was selected for the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2017. Her work has been exhibited widely in the UK and internationally.