Award-winning artist Ellis King presents debut London solo show, ‘Spilt Milk’
Ellis King, Cold Water, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 2026
London, UK – Ellis King, an award-winning contemporary figurative painter, presents Spilt Milk, her debut London solo exhibition, opening at SQFT: Space Gallery in Marylebone on Thursday 1st October 2026.
Taking its title from the familiar phrase, Spilt Milk lingers on the moments we are expected to move beyond. Set within intimate domestic spaces, the exhibition captures the moments before composure returns, where frustration, grief, doubt and exhaustion are quietly absorbed before the routines of everyday life resume.
King's psychologically charged paintings ask what happens when the experiences women are taught to minimise are finally acknowledged. By giving these overlooked moments sustained attention, the exhibition creates space for conversations about the weight of unprocessed emotion in women's lived experiences.
The exhibition follows King's selection as recipient of the prestigious SQFT: Space Gallery Exhibition Prize through the Women in Art Prize in 2025. The award, given by gallery founder Daniel Leon, supports outstanding female artists in presenting ambitious new work to wider audiences.
Ellis King, winner of the Women in Art Square Feet Gallery Exhibition Prize 2025 says: “This exhibition marks an important milestone in my career, made all the more meaningful because it has come through the Women in Art Prize. My work is rooted in women's lived experiences, so to be recognised by an organisation dedicated to championing female artists feels incredibly special. I hope these paintings create space for conversations about the moments we're so often encouraged to move beyond.”
Daniel Leon, Founder, SQFT:Space Gallery adds: “We are proud and delighted to be hosting Ellis King at SQFT:Space Gallery this October. Ellis's work is an enticing, powerful autobiographical statement - bold, graphic, deeply personal, and profoundly beautiful."
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Private View: Thursday 1st October, 6–9pm
Public Hours: Monday–Friday 9–5pm, 2nd October – 5th November
Location: SQFT: Space Gallery, 95 Bell Street, London NW1 6TL
Admission: Free
To book an appointment: sqftspacegallery@gmail.com
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ellis King (b. 1989) is a British figurative painter based in Norwich, exploring themes of womanhood, identity, trauma and resilience. Her work has gained increasing recognition across UK galleries including Thompson's Gallery, Prince & Pilgrim, and Clifton Fine Art. King was shortlisted for the Behind the Artist Awards (2026) and appeared on Sky Arts' Portrait Artist of the Year. She was named one of 100 Emerging Artists by the Arts to Hearts Project (2024).
ABOUT THE WOMEN IN ART PRIZE
The Women in Art Prize is a prominent international non-profit competition that champions and supports emerging and established female artists. It provides cash grants, international exhibitions, and career-launching residencies to bridge systemic gaps in the art world.
www.womeninartprizecic.com
Media enquiries: sqftspacegallery@gmail.com
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