LONDON.- Italian abstract artist Monica Maja Richardson has revealed a new series of paintings from her “Primavera” series in a solo exhibition located in London’s vibrant Notting Hill.

Monica Maja Richardson draws inspiration from her Italian roots and the arrival of spring, and the exhibition is curated by Culturalee Founder Lee Sharrock. Bold new large-scale canvases are juxtaposed with smaller paintings that celebrate the beauty of nature and changing of the seasons, and reflect Richardson’s abstract expressionist influences.

Primavera presents the first opportunity to view a new painting titled Are we Human, Or Are We Dancer by Richardson which has been selected for display at the London Art Biennale 2025 at Chelsea Old Town Hall in July 2025.



The exhibition’s title Primavera is a nod to Richardson’s Italian roots and conjures up images of Botticelli’s famed Renaissance panel painting depicting the Three Graces, Mercury, Zephyr and other figures from classical mythology in an abundant garden, acting as an allegory for the arrival of spring. Richardson’s colourful palette of pinks, yellows, greens, blues and reds applied with loose brushstrokes evokes a chorus of crocuses, dancing daffodils and vibrant violets. Some of the paintings have Italian-inspired titles, such as Poesia (Poetry) and La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), inspired by Fellini’s iconic 1960 cinematic ode to Rome.

As well as being inspired by Italian culture, Richardson draws inspiration from abstract expressionist artists including Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler.

Monica Maja Richardson explains: “Primavera is the Italian word for Spring, symbolising renewal, growth, and the blossoming of life. And that’s exactly the reason I’ve chosen it as a title for my new solo exhibition: Primavera is a celebration of life’s endless cycle of renewal—where each work is a reflection of nature’s quiet yet powerful rebirth, captured through colour, form, and emotion. It is a reflection of my journey through transformation—where every brushstroke is a new beginning, and every colour blossoms with the promise of renewal.”

Curator Lee Sharrock comments: “Monica Maja Richardson’s vibrant palette, bold use of colour and confident brushstrokes combine to create uplifting canvases that put a spring in your step when you experience them. Primavera is both a nod to Richardson’s Italian heritage and appreciation of its rich culture and art history, and an ode to Spring, rebirth and new beginnings. I’m happy to be curating Monica’s new exhibition in Notting Hill.”

A self-taught artist, Richardson had a successful career in Italy as a TV presenter before moving to the UK and settling in London where she pursued her passion for painting, a seed that was sown when she smelled the scent of her Uncle’s paints as a child. Richardson has had several solo exhibitions in London and exhibited at art fairs, and her works have been acquired for art collections in France, Germany, Italy and the United States.



Art has been an enduring passion for Monica, deeply rooted in her childhood memories. The lingering scent of her uncle's oil colours remains one of the most evocative recollections from her formative years. A self-taught artist, Monica's artistic prowess is a result of extensive experimentation and a perpetual love for learning. Immersed in her studio for years, she explored a diverse range of tools and colour palettes, ultimately shaping her distinctive freethinking style. Using art as a medium to communicate passions and emotions, Monica creates vibrant and expansive abstract paintings. Her work draws inspiration from iconic artists such as Jackson Pollock, Gerhard Richter, and Helen Frankenthaler, who have left an indelible mark on her artistic sensibilities. Monica's artistic signature is characterized by emotive colour splashes in bold and bright palettes, infusing rhythm and energy into each canvas. In recent years, her career has soared, marked by numerous solo exhibitions and participation in prestigious Art Fairs. Monica's works have found a global audience, gracing art collections in Germany, the United States, France, and Italy, among other countries.

Monica Maja Richardson: Primavera is at 19 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU from 28th May until 8th June, 2025.