Lady Like, Lily Obertelli’s first solo exhibition, is a candid reflection on the societal expectations tied to being seen as a “paintress.” Her work challenges ideas of self-representation and asks what it defines today a well mannered, ladylike individual.

Historically, a woman’s value was linked to how well she performed the role of the ‘accomplished woman’. Obertelli, once labelled a paintress, responds: “It is not who I am, but what I could be called.” This body of work expresses her ambivalence toward that label, embracing contradiction — she is well-mannered yet disruptive, precise yet fragmented.

Her paintings sit between pastiche and parody, portraying everyday subjects that are partial, layered, and subjectively framed. Using rich colour and intentional incompletion, she paints what she wants to see in the world and invites us to see it too.

Varying in scale and finish, the works celebrate suggestion and process. Pencil marks and brushstrokes remain visible, revealing each painting’s evolution and offering deeper insight into her vision.

Free entry.
62 Church Street NW8 8EU
8th - 18th November, 11 AM - 5 PM

About the artist:

Lily Obertelli (b.1999, London) lives and works in London. Her work explores themes around identity, mental illness, surveillance, sensuality, discomfort and the everyday. Selected exhibitions include Piecemeal, LEX1 (2023), Aether magazine (2021), Gap x Dazed digital (2020). Family Counselling Collective (2019).