Bala Ayyappa Moves from Portraiture to Community Care in Newham and Tamil Nadu
Based in Newham, East London, Bala Ayyappa is a visual artist from South India who began creating portraits in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, completing over 30 commissioned pieces. Her artistic exploration delves into relationships and cultural narratives, culminating in her photographic series "Since Forever," which commenced in 2023 and features her mother. The inaugural image, showcasing her mother’s new life phase, was displayed in the "Liminality" exhibition at Tower Gallery in May 2026. Bala intends to continue documenting her mother indefinitely. Additionally, her mother is featured in works such as "She Who Was the Sun." Since 2025, Bala has worked with underrepresented youth in Newham, developing a wellbeing art trail and interactive music initiatives.
Key facts
- Bala Ayyappa is a visual artist and creative producer based in Newham, East London, originally from South India
- She began formally drawing portraits in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has completed more than 30 commissioned portraits
- Her photographic series "Since Forever," centred on her mother, began in 2023
- The first work from "Since Forever" was exhibited in "Liminality" at Tower Gallery in May 2026
- Bala plans to continue photographing her mother indefinitely, whether in 2027, 2028 or "forever"
- Her mother also appears in the paintings "She Who Was the Sun," "Where the Dots Lead" and "When Was the Last Time You Saw a Firefly?"
- Since 2025 she has worked with communities across Newham, including designing a wellbeing art trail at Newham Hospital
- She produces participatory music-making programmes through Newham Music for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities
Entities
Artists
- Bala Ayyappa
Institutions
- Tower Gallery
- Newham Hospital
- Newham Music
- Art Plugged
Locations
- Newham
- London
- United Kingdom
- South India
- Tamil Nadu
- India