The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Inspired by the book The Tiger Who Came to Tea, this painting begins with the warmth and whimsy of childhood nostalgia. A carefully arranged stand of familiar British classics, but gradually reveals the layers beneath, the subtle tensions and ways we navigate belonging. Through the ritual of tea, I explore the complexities of assimilation and cultural exchange: how individuals negotiate space, honour heritage, and embrace new traditions. The scene becomes a meditation that shapes identity, revealing the small gestures that allow us to carve out space for ourselves while engaging with others - a contemplation of how we create, share, and inhabit our worlds.