This ambitious show marks a significant milestone in Opera Gallery’s ongoing commitment to emerging global artists. For the first time, the gallery brings together a large and diverse group of more than 20 artists. The exhibition highlights the energy, curiosity, and innovation of a new generation, offering a forward-looking perspective on contemporary art across continents.
Marking just over a century since the birth of Surrealism, this exhibition explores how emerging artists engage with the notion of dreams, a central theme in 20th and 21st century art. Opera Gallery has long championed Surrealist artists such as Marc Chagall, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Yayoi Kusama, for whom dreams, the unconscious, and colour occupy a central place in their oeuvre. ‘Dreaming in Colour’ extends this dialogue to a new generation.
At the core of ‘Dreaming in Colour’ are six Opera Gallery artists whose distinct practices set the tone for the exhibition. From intuitive abstraction to psychologically charged figuration, their works explore perception, memory, and the inner life through bold, expressive approaches. Thomas Dillon’s (below left) loosely figurative paintings embrace automatism, breaking with traditional ideas of authorship to uncover deeper, subconscious meanings. Brazilian artist Gustavo Nazareno (below middle) draws on personal and cultural histories, fables, and arthistorical references, creating richly layered oil paintings and charcoal works. With influences ranging from fashion photography to cinema, Xevi Solà (below right) reimagines psychological portraiture with his vibrant, gestural paintings– inviting viewers to question how much can truly be known at first glance.
Cristina Babiloni’s (below middle) multimedia works reflect a deep connection to nature, merging oceanic life with volcanic and geological forms to create landscapes that feel both elemental and cosmic. Adrián Navarro (below left) constructs lyrical architectural abstractions through repetition and digital deconstruction, using colour and form to evoke the appearance of organic matter in constant motion. Miguel Sainz Ojeda’s (below right) dreamlike figurative works blend spontaneous gesture and symbolism, often featuring elements of caricature to explore the broader themes of identity and the subconscious.
In addition to the six represented artists, ‘Dreaming in Colour’ invites international emerging artists who offer a rich diversity of perspectives and practices to the theme of the exhibition. From Europe, the exhibition includes Borja Colom (Spain), Arjen (Netherlands), Mattia Barbalaco (Italy), May Watson (UK), Camilla Perkins (UK), Grace Tobin (UK), and Niovi Kafantari (Greece/UK). Latin America is represented by Marcelo Canevari (Argentina) and Anna Ortiz (Mexico/USA). Asia is present through Verapat Sitipol (Thailand) and Oh de Laval (Polish–Thai), while North America features Caroline Larsen (Canada) and Andy Dixon (Canada/USA). Africa is represented by Collins Obijiaku (Nigeria) and Maurice Mboa (Cameroon), Russia is represented by Sasha Zimulin, and the Americas/artists with dual-nationality include Jonni Cheatwood (USA/Brazil), and Daniella Portillo (Salvador/ USA). Together, these invited artists enrich the exhibition with a global dialogue, emphasising Opera Gallery’s commitment to fostering emerging voices from diverse cultural contexts.
As Giulia Lecchini, Deputy Director of Opera Gallery, says “This exhibition marks an exciting moment for Opera Gallery. We are bringing together an unprecedented group of emerging artists from across continents including many outside of Opera Gallery’s roster. Their work carries the energy, curiosity, and confidence of a new generation and dreams appear here as a reminder of the creative force that drives these artists forward – their ability to envision what comes next.”
Jonathan Cheung, Director of Sales at Opera Gallery London adds “It’s a privilege to work with such a diverse group of artists whose practices I’ve admired for years. In shaping this exhibition, we hope to form an experience that feels fresh and exploratory while still reflecting the spirit and values that define us. At a moment when contemporary art is shifting in exciting ways, this show aims to celebrate the voices, visions, and evolving journeys of the artists at its core. ”
About Opera Gallery
Founded in Singapore in 1994, Opera Gallery has forged a network of galleries worldwide with locations in London, Paris, New York, Geneva, Madrid and Dubai, establishing itself as one of the leading forces within the international art market.
Headed by Gilles Dyan, Chairman and Founder, Opera Gallery specialises in modern, post-war, and contemporary art. In addition, the gallery represents international emerging artists such as Andy Denzler, Pieter Obels and Gustavo Nazareno, alongside internationally recognised names such as Ron Arad, Manolo Valdés and Anselm Reyle.
For more than 30 years, Opera Gallery’s mission has been to showcase the dynamic, innovative, and diverse expressions of modern and contemporary art through its ambitious yearly exhibition programming and collaborations with private collections and leading public institutions. Opera Gallery in London is led by Deputy Director Giulia Lecchini.
All image credits to Opera Gallery
