Spotlight on Ava Khera: Last Year’s Winner Reflects on The Open 25 and the Power of Light

With The Birmingham Open 25 in full swing, we caught up with last year’s winning artist, Ava Khera, to hear about her journey since the 2024 exhibition and her thoughts on this year’s luminous theme: LIGHT.

The Open 25, hosted by Colmore BID and Central BID, shines a literal and metaphorical spotlight on Birmingham’s emerging artists. With artworks displayed across Snow Hill Square and Victoria Square, this year’s exhibition invites the public to experience a wide range of creative interpretations and even vote for their favourite through a QR code on site.

But before you head out to explore the exhibition (running until the end of June), read on for Ava’s reflections on winning, her artistic growth, and the magic of light in creative work.

Q: Congratulations again on your win at The Open 2024! What did winning mean to you personally and professionally?

Ava Khera: Winning The Open last year was a really special moment. Personally, it felt amazing to have my work recognised in my adopted city, it gave me a sense of connection to Birmingham’s creative community. Professionally, it helped me build a local network and audience for my work, which has been so important. Until then, most of my collectors and connections were based elsewhere, so having people discover my work here, people who came to the show, reached out, or followed up afterwards, meant a lot. It’s helped me feel more engaged in the local community and has opened up some exciting opportunities such as my recent solo show as the launch artist for 103 Colmore Row’s Open Gallery – The Wall @ 103. 

Q: How would you describe your artistic style or practice? Has it evolved since The Open 2024? 

Ava Khera: My work is still very much rooted in the female perspective and lived experience, but lately I’ve been leaning more into surreal and abstract elements within my painterly realist style of oil painting. I’ve started exploring folklore and mythology from different cultures, blending atmosphere and storytelling in a way that feels more instinctive and visceral. It’s less about literal representation now and more about evoking a feeling or deeper narrative through symbolic details and movement. 

Q: This year’s theme is “LIGHT.” What does that concept mean to you as an artist? 

Ava Khera: Light is such a powerful theme, it can be symbolic, emotional, or purely visual. As a painter, I’m always thinking about how light shapes a subject and creates meaning in a piece. But beyond that, light can represent clarity, transformation, even hope. I like how open it is, there’s room to interpret it in so many different ways, which is always exciting as a creative. 

Q: Why do you think exhibitions like The Open, especially those in public spaces, are important for emerging artists and the wider community? 

Ava Khera: They’re so important. For artists starting out or trying to build momentum, it’s a huge deal to have your work seen in a space that’s open and accessible to everyone. It’s not about needing a big name gallery, it’s about reaching people and making genuine connections. For the wider community, it makes art feel part of everyday life. You don’t need to know all the right words or have a background in art to connect with something that makes you stop and take a deeper look. What I remember most from the exhibition last year was people reaching out to be via social media or my website because they has seen my work in Snow Hill, they might never have been exposed to my work otherwise and so exhibitions like this remove the barriers and gatekeepers giving emerging artists great exposure to the local community. 

Q: What advice would you give to emerging artist trying to find their voice? 

Ava Khera: Honestly, just keep going and stay consistent in your practice. Try new things, follow your instincts, and don’t worry too much about fitting into a particular style or label just yet. It’ll emerge through experience rather than narrowing your voice to force a “style”. Your voice shows up when you’re doing work that feels honest to you and that even scares you a little bit. And be curious, about your own story, about the world and what really interests you, instead of what’s popular. That curiosity will lead you somewhere interesting and naturally unique. 

Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should keep an eye out for? 

Ava Khera: I’ve got a new series in the works that leans even further into various strong female characters depicted in various cultures and the spirit realm which often send us guides on our path, lot’s of  moving atmospheres, my depictions of mythology, and layers of depth. I’m also working on personal, journalistic project around the value of women in Indian Culture that’s really exciting for me, it’ll allow me to interrogate the issues I’m deeply passionate about and experiment with some bigger ideas I’ve been sitting on. So yes, lots brewing! 

Experience The Open 25 And Vote for Your Favourite

A huge thank you to Ava for sharing her insights and experiences, it’s inspiring to see how her work continues to evolve and resonate with audiences.

If you’re in Birmingham, don’t miss the chance to explore The Open 25 for yourself. Head to Snow Hill Square to see the 10 shortlisted artworks and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Then, make your way to Victoria Square to experience even more pieces that celebrate this year’s theme of LIGHT.

The outdoor exhibition is free to attend and runs until the end of June.

And don’t forget to check out this year’s judges’ winning artwork by Ispahani Mukah, now on display.