Gaby’s opulent yet sensitively rendered celebratory pieces are a glowing testament to the modern medium of digital art. Many of her works constitute proud female portraiture where different South-Asian women are shown adorned in stunning sarees, beautiful cascading jewellery and, above all, an intense emanating attitude. The calm online creative shared with us: "one of the techniques I’ve developed is creating my own brushes in Adobe. It’s allowed me to achieve a level of refinement and intricate detail that feels close to the textures I imagine." Indeed, it is the magnetic body language at the centre of Gaby’s artwork that conveys a certain degree of mystery that compellingly draws the viewer in. As much as the glorious graphics salute South-Asian fashion, which is an obvious influence on the artist, her focus is on the underrepresented yet dynamic inner world of South-Asian communal mentality that underlies it. Her paintings belie a diverse range of meditative personal feeling that at once highlights pertinent cross-cultural issues around which there should be social dialogue.
***
Whether it is discussing the prioritisation of mental health or different women’s issues, such as the unfair pressure to be the perfect partner, exploring alternatives to biological fertility and the demoralising normalisation of interpersonal female competition, especially amongst siblings, Gaby gently invites her audience to consider progressing past persisting common taboos by way of venerating tradition. As opposed to simply routinely following customs, sharing intimate reflections about life can ensure a contemporary up-to-date connection to culture, allowing the chance for a more fortified societal future. Gaby’s work then seeks to immerse in nuanced emotionality. She regularly elaborates upon the pressing range of topics through thoughtful in-depth posts which typically accompany each creative piece on her popular page on Instagram. One work, from her Abuse series, shows a spirited yet young woman shielded by the flank of her woven garment – this implies the state of mind of tenacity but also an everyday woundedness which implores us to contemplate the type of situation the featured individual may find herself in. The pastels convey the gendered vulnerability in terms of mood: ‘Between 14% and 25% of women are sexually assaulted by intimate partners during their relationship’, the important posting raising awareness of domestic violence states, going on to detail more stats and types of abuse, including financial.
On the signature style of her work, Gaby commented: “Aesthetically, I draw inspiration from South-Asian culture, patterns and delicate detailing. Symbolically, I often return to motifs like birds, butterflies, borders, and archways, each offering a simple but evocative metaphor. There’s also a deliberate contrast between the attractive, composed exterior of my subjects and the subtle, subconscious gestures they express: the delicate positioning of a hand, a particular look in the eye. These quiet cues suggest a deeper, unspoken story. Some figures appear to be holding back tears or clutching their stomachs, inviting us to wonder what’s truly unfolding beneath the surface." Indeed, Gaby’s work is reminiscent of another rising artist, Rachel Deacon, who also channels the charm of the power of suggestiveness in her paintings which explore secret female tension through the lens of rivalry, longing and sexuality to precipitate obscured narratives. As much an activist as an artist and influencer, Gaby’s pieces propel the wider alternative ideas of romance, identity and togetherness which can no longer be denied. She is a passionate advocate of inclusivity, feminine power and even spirituality which underscores the triumph of female subjectivity: "many of my illustrations explore female perspectives, with the intention of amplifying women’s voices. They draw attention to experiences and thoughts that are often overlooked—it’s about uncovering the depth. This is expressed through bold colours and poetic imagery. This is especially evident in the book I illustrated, The Way of the Goddess, which explores the resilience, strength, and unique abilities of divine women. It was a significant highlight in my professional journey, deepening my commitment to representing women’s accounts with intention and reverence."
Gaby has illustrated Ananta Ripa Ajmera’s uplifting book, The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self, and been shortlisted in the Arts and Creative Industries category for the YAYA awards (2023). Her precise, high-quality approach has also paved the way for a creative career where the gracious artist launched a successful stationery line during the lockdown at the height of the breakout of Covid. She commented on her stance as a proud South-Asian artist being beneficial where her work translates as more personal: “By exploring stories that are specific to a community, we can help people recognise familiar patterns or behaviours—whether they’ve lived them or observed them in others. Sometimes, certain feelings or situations aren’t easily identified. By sharing examples from a South Asian viewpoint, my intent is to gently educate and highlight the beautiful value within the culture. In doing so, we can strengthen and empower the community, while encouraging a deeper appreciation from others." Finally, Gaby presents our inner landscape as territory to be discovered rather than feared or ignored: an environment of open-mindedness should be native to us all.
Are there any issues touched upon that are close to your heart?
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is creating space for others to feel seen. I once did a series on motherhood, covering IVF, surrogacy, adoption, miscarriages, infertility, and egg freezing—topics rarely spoken about in the South Asian community. The response was incredible. Women came forward to share deeply personal stories, shedding light on how isolating and stigmatised these experiences can be. Many described facing blame or silence instead of support. Yet, there was also hope—a shared vision for a future where compassion, understanding, and healing are the norm.
What, for you, makes a strong professional creative?
Maintain respectful and clear communication—everyone deserves the same patience and understanding. In the creative industry, problem-solving is key; there must be a balance between functionality and visual appeal. It’s also important to take accountability and remain open to feedback, allowing ideas to evolve and improve through collaboration.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Everything happens for a reason, even if it’s not clear at that moment—understanding often comes with time. Don’t let the past weigh you down; it’s done and cannot be changed. Instead, focus on what you can do today and where you’re headed next. Whatever the situation, lead with love and kindness. I always come back to something a lecturer once told me: we don’t know comfort without discomfort.
I: @gabgohlar
