During her recent exhibition in the Jewellery Quarter, we spoke with the award-winning local artist, Anya Kalsi, who’s gone from volunteering at The Herbert in Coventry to embarking on a Master of Fine Art (MFA) at Oxford University

Anya Kalsi knew she wanted to do a master’s degree, but didn’t think she was good enough to go to Oxford University until her supportive sister gave her the nudge she needed to apply. She was successful and Anya will shortly be heading to Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art with a clutch of awards and accolades, including the prestigious Erna Plachte Award from the university – one of only three awarded each year to Oxford’s top MFA offer holders.

FIRST CLASS

It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Anya who graduated from Lancaster University with a first class honours degree and was awarded the Dean’s art prize. She was winner of the Rugby Open in 2024 and received the Derwent Young Artist Award in 2026 for Echoes of Entanglement which was exhibited at the OXO Gallery in London. One of Anya’s goals has always been to exhibit in London and the Derwent Art Prize allowed her to do that.

Anya has also secured mentorship and investment from the brilliant Punch Records who are doing incredible things for creatives across the city. They have been excellent at supporting Anya in her journey to becoming a financially viable artist. After writing a proposal and going through an interview process, Anya secured support from Punch of which she says: “They’ve supported me through opportunities and funding. Not many people are doing that. They’ve really helped guide me.”

GOING SOLO

If you were lucky enough to catch Anya’s solo exhibition titled Emerging Perspectives at The Hive, you’ll be familiar with her fluid style. She explores abstraction through process, observation and material experimentation. She explains: “Working across drawing, oil painting and installation I use macro photography to transform overlooked patterns and intricate structures into layered abstract compositions that move between drawing, painterly surfaces and spatial form.”

The exhibition brought together works that Anya hoped would engage audiences closely with texture, rhythm and detail. She says her work ‘balances control with spontaneity inviting viewers into a space of curiosity rather than fixed interpretation’. All this while currently living at home with mum and dad and working from a small space in the garage. Anya says the larger pieces are challenging and despite her parents being very supportive, there are limits to the mess that comes with being an artist!

EVERYDAY INSPO

Anya says she’s always challenging herself and learning, trying not to overthink things and creating work that’s meaningful for her and intriguing for the viewer. Inspiration comes from everyday walks, things and people – nothing out of the ordinary. It starts with macro photography and Anya is excited to get to Oxford from that point of view. She says: “Being in Oxford surrounded by green space will be pretty important for that.”

Winning awards has meant a lot to Anya. Rather than just being nice to have they have pushed her to do even better and opened doors. She’s active and engaged, jumping on opportunities and open calls. That enthusiasm and drive teamed with obvious talent and Punch in the background is getting Anya noticed. Her ultimate goal is to be an artist, to be financially stable and have a solo exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery and we don’t doubt it for a second.