Waves of Emotion

Oxo Gallery Exhibition 15-26 July

Waves of Emotion

Inspired by the shifting rhythms of water and the ebb and flow of emotional states, Franklin’s new body of work reflects the turbulence, resilience, and quiet strength of lived experience. The exhibition explores complex emotional roles — from mother and partner to muse — navigating themes of inclusion, rejection, love, and loss.

Drawing influences from the literary work The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey, the exhibition introduces a striking new series of charcoal wave studies alongside an earlier quartet of evocative oil paintings of female nudes. These are presented alongside figurative pieces and rare sculptures by Franklin’s late husband, sculptor Brian Taylor. The inclusion of his bronze works forms part of the artist’s ongoing dialogue between personal history, artistic lineage, and female identity.  (Download Press Release)

Comparison of two sculptures and two paintings of women, with one sculpture and one painting depicting seated women and another sculpture and painting showing standing women.

Oxo Gallery Exhibition

Oxo Gallery is delighted to present Waves of Emotion, a major solo exhibition by acclaimed London-based artist Michele Franklin, opening 15 July 2026 at the iconic Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank. Bringing together painting, drawing, sculpture, music, and personal storytelling, Waves of Emotion is an immersive and deeply personal exploration of identity, memory and the emotional landscapes of womanhood. “The expression of movement between bodies has always interested me as our body language is so revealing in our lives.” - Michele Franklin

Black and white graphic featuring two lifebuoys, a diagonal X, and two parallel lines.
Black and white charcoal drawings by artist Michele Franklin of a large ocean wave curling over, with detailed foam and spray, created in 2026. 
Folding Wave  (58 x 79cm) Charcoal Drawing

Oxo Gallery

Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St.
South Bank. London SE1 9PH

The Exhibition

15-26 July 11:30am - 7:30pm Open 7days a week. Admission Free

Waves of Emotion‍: ‍Selection of Featured Artworks

Love and Friendship (1988)

A quartet of oil paintings on canvas 6’ x 4. Each painting describes a feeling between the two women as they start off in a state of confrontation but end in reconciliation. “ The expression of movement between bodies has always interested me” Michele Franklin.

A painting of two nude women, one standing with her hands on her hips and the other kneeling on the ground, set against a blue background with faint pink and white accents by artist Michele Franklin. 
Contemplation  (180 x 91cm)  Oil on Canvas

The Merwomen (2026)

Waves of Emotion deep undercurrents explored theme of water Inspired by Monique Roffey’s book, “The Mermaid of Black Conch”-  the story explores themes of love, loss, separation, the destructiveness of female jealousy and inspires a new collection of charcoal drawings.

A black and white charcoal drawing of a mermaid with long flowing hair, her eyes closed, and one arm reaching upwards, surrounded by swirling water by artist Michele Franklin. 
Aycayia,  (88 x 106cm)  Charcoal Drawing

Waves of Emotion (2026)

Drawing influences from the literary work The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey. The exhibition introduces a striking new series of charcoal wave studies which were the inspiration for the Waves of Emotion theme. Pictured below a drawing called “Folding Wave”.

Black and white charcoal drawing by artist Michele Franklin of a large ocean wave curling over, with frothy spray at the crest. 
Usurping Wave  (56 x 79cm)  Charcoal Drawing

Brian Taylor Sculptures

The exhibition includes two large bronze sculptures and selected pieces made by her late husband, the sculptor Brian Taylor. These sculptures are presented within Michele’s exhibition as part of her personal narrative and exploration of the theme of women and identity. The inclusion of his bronze works forms part of the artist’s ongoing dialogue between personal history and identity.

A bronzen sculpture by sculptor Brian Taylor of his wife Michele Franklin, pregnant with her arms crossed over her chest.
A bronzen sculpture by sculptor Brian Taylor of his wife Michele Franklin, pregnant with her arms crossed over her chest. 
"Pregnant Torso"                                  (79x48x48cm) Bronze (1991)
Bronze sculpture by sculptor Brian Taylor of his wife Michele Franklin.
Bronze sculpture by sculptor Brian Taylor of his wife Michele Franklin.

Private View

Thu July 16* 6.30pm - 8.30pm
The exclusive, invitation-only preview night will include a live interview and Q&A session with the artist and a performance by concert pianist Gabriel Franklin-Taylor 7.30pm-8.00pm. The bar will be open until 8.30pm

A bronze sculpture by sculptor Brian Taylor of his wife Michele Franklin, pregnant, looking down and holding her breasts, with detailed textured body and short hair. 
"Michele Pregnant Standing"                                                                 (173 x 46 x 21 cm) Bronze  (1988)

Music Events: 5-6pm

There will be live music performances as follows:
Sun July 19th Gabriel Franklin-Taylor (Piano)
Sun July 21st Gabriel Franklin-Taylor (Piano)
Sun July 26th Gabriel Franklin-Taylor (Piano)

Art Talks: 2-3pm

Michele Franklin talks about her life & work
Sat. July 18th : The Artist's Muse
Sun. July 19th : My family Heritage
Sun July 26th : Waves of Emotion

Directions to Oxo Gallery

Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St. South Bank, London SE1 9PH. Nearest Tube: Blackfriars, Waterloo (District & Circle), Southwark (Jubilee) Website https://coinstreet.org/space-and-venue-hire/oxo-gallery‍ ‍