Get To Know… Paloma Ellery
A deep dive into all things ‘arts and ents’.
Words Indigo James // Image supplied
Local visual artist Paloma Ellery paints from the inside out. Her work explores how women’s bodies are perceived, resisting the pressure to please through abstracted, gender-fluid figures and large, still eyes that carry a quiet intensity and stoicism. Ellery’s sparing use of text is a deliberate act of vulnerability, where words function as mirrors rather than explanations. Currently developing a solo exhibition at Praxis Art Space, her 2026 work leans into play and colour, offering hope amid uncertainty
Tell us about your practice. What do you do?
I am a visual artist living and learning on Kaurna land. Art has been a constant anchor in my life, helping me understand and express the internal landscape of my emotions and the external environment I inhabit. From a young age, I’ve found that creating art allows me to make sense of my experiences, giving shape to feelings that might otherwise feel intangible.
What themes or ideas tend to surface in your paintings?
Body image is an apparent theme in my painting. I explore how my body, as a woman, is perceived, and my work investigates breaking free from the notion of pleasing. This is depicted through visual representations of hands, eyes, and abstract presentations of figures. Creating is not just a personal endeavour; it’s a way of connecting with others, reflecting the world back to them in ways that can evoke empathy, understanding, and healing.
What influences your work, and where do your ideas begin?
I am fascinated by the human condition, how people express themselves and human relationships. My creative process is extremely intuitive, and I often don’t have a structured idea of what I will make beforehand, so my ideas usually begin by slapping some marks on a canvas and seeing what unfolds.
What’s your earliest memory of making art?
My earliest memory is when I was a young girl creating shapes and patterns with a pen over newspaper articles. Little did I know, as an innocent young person, I was foreshadowing my desire to make sense of the world through branding articles about global issues. Later on, when I was in school, I felt very disconnected, which led me to drawing all over my arms. These drawings on my skin became body armour that I could wear whilst navigating the complexities of school life.
Large eyes and androgynous faces appear as recurring features in your paintings. Can you tell us about the intention behind them?
The eyes I paint are depicted as still. This stillness evokes a sense of intensity and stoicism, acting as the focal point of the paintings. The marks and patterns that make up the rest of the figure are loose and playful. This contrast in my work resembles how I often feel still in a fast-moving, intense world. The androgynous faces act as a way of challenging ideas of traditional “femininity,” which is a social and cultural construct. The gender-fluid nature of the faces helps me make sense of the reality of living in a woman’s body.
Words often appear in your paintings. What draws you to incorporate language into your work?
I’m honestly scared of text because it is literal. I feel emotionally naked when I incorporate text into my work because it’s a less abstract way of expressing myself. I use text to be more direct and step out of my comfort zone. The words I incorporate often act as a mirror to what I need.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a body of work for a solo exhibition at Praxis Art Space. These works are large-scale, colourful, and playful. 2026 is the year of play and colour for me. There are many overwhelming events unfolding in the world, and reality often makes me feel confused and upset. I feel a strong desire to channel these feelings into vibrant artworks to share with my community, shining positive light and hope.
Stay up to date with Paloma @palomaellery.
