Shoreditch is about to get a whole lot riper. Artist Nina Bonnici is taking over Jealous Gallery this April with her first-ever solo exhibition, Ripe Until We’re Rotten. Think classic European Master paintings, but make them cheeky, irreverent, and soaked in 90s R&B nostalgia. Bonnici’s work blends the beauty of Renaissance-style mastery with the kind of dark humour only a Northern artist could pull off. Expect a playful yet profound take on lust, femininity, and the absurdity of being human—all wrapped up in a riot of colour and surrealism at one of the best galleries in Shoreditch.
A Fresh Take on the Classics (Before They Go Off)
Bonnici’s background in assisting some of the biggest names in contemporary art has shaped her refined technique. However, her own works take a delightful detour into a world where highbrow and lowbrow collide. Cartoons, car boot sales, Americana, and Great Gatsby-level excess all find a home on her canvases. The result? A body of work that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
The title Ripe Until We’re Rotten is a clever nod to Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, but with a modern twist. As Bonnici puts it,
“If being bad is somehow an inevitable part of being human, we need to revel in the good for as long as it lasts.”
That sentiment oozes through her paintings, where sweetness and decay live side by side. The beauty of fleeting moments, the push-and-pull between desire and destruction, and the hilarity of human desperation all make an appearance in her work.
A Playful Collision of Culture and Chaos
Bonnici’s unique visual language pulls from a wildly diverse range of influences. Imagine a Pendolino Express ride through old-school cartoons, flea markets, and classical masterpieces—all infused with a cheeky, seductive energy. Each painting offers an unfiltered glimpse into her fascinations and fixations, working collectively as a pseudo self-portrait.
Her work doesn’t just flirt with the past—it seduces it, repaints it, and gives it a whole new attitude. Expect compositions that blend Renaissance grandeur with pop culture oddities, executed with a painterly finesse that rivals the old masters.
Limited-Edition Prints & A Must-See Exhibition
Alongside the twelve original paintings, Bonnici is also releasing two exclusive print editions in collaboration with Jealous Gallery. This means collectors and fans can get their hands on a piece of her world—even if they don’t have room for a full-scale masterpiece.
Taking place at Jealous Gallery in Shoreditch from April 3rd to April 26th, this exhibition promises to be one of the year’s most exciting debuts. Whether you’re a die-hard art collector, a fan of witty, visually striking storytelling, or just someone who appreciates a good bit of playful provocation, Ripe Until We’re Rotten is one not to miss.
Jealous Gallery: The Perfect Stage for Disruptive Art
Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch’s thriving art scene, Jealous Gallery has long been known for its commitment to contemporary, innovative printmaking and painting. Hosting Bonnici’s solo debut is a natural fit—her work aligns perfectly with the gallery’s passion for bold, boundary-pushing artists.
Shoreditch thrives on creativity that challenges, surprises, and sparks conversation. Bonnici’s exhibition does all three while adding a dash of seductive chaos into the mix.
How to See Ripe Until We’re Rotten
- 📍 Jealous Gallery, 53 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3PT
- 📅 3rd – 26th April 2025
- 🎟 Admission: Free
- 🖼 Exclusive print editions available for purchase
Come for the art, stay for the dark humour, and leave with a new appreciation for the sweet spot before everything goes off.
