a bit about Prema.
Prema is a London-based visual artist and the creative force behind the art collective PlanetMiko. Her diverse range of artistic expressions includes illustration, digital art, drawing, painting, photography, and video. She firmly believes that a person’s creativity knows no bounds and is nurtured through free-thinking and giving oneself the invaluable gift of time and space.
Born in Carshalton, in a South London borough, Prema’s passion for sketching and painting ignited at a young age, and her childhood memories are filled with countless hours spent immersed in artistic creation.
After graduating with a degree in The History of Art and French at the University of Leicester, Prema pursued a full time career in the creative industries working across publishing, business development, sales, corporate partnerships & PR, before concentrating on her own art and illustration.
At the heart of Prema’s work lies a vibrant world brimming with characters exuding joy, humour, warmth and optimism. She finds immense fascination in individuality and character. Miko, her main character is free-spirited with a deep passion for music, Bu has a phobia of balloons, Sid is cheeky & bites into things and Zool relaxes by striving for 100% cool. She sometimes references elements of her own life in her work; ‘Going Fondant Fancy picking’ takes her back to fondant fancies doing the rounds as a child.
Prema’s artistic philosophy embraces Minimalism. She loves how effortless, beautiful and well-functioning a world can be when ‘less is more’ is fostered. In her work, she instinctively removes anything unnecessary amplifying space as much as subject matter.
Alongside her creativity, Prema cites music, exercise and humour as the biggest forces in her life. She is an avid gig-goer, art enthusiast, fitness lover and loves having a laugh with those around her. Prema’s versatility extends beyond the art world - she is a fully qualified massage therapist and revels in the rewarding nature of her practice. She’s not keen on cooking but does fare well at turning out simple, tasty, nourishing nosh when she’s in the zone.
Miko And Her Music, written, illustrated and designed by Prema is her first children’s book. It’s a semi-autobiographical story celebrating the transformative power of music, and will be out on 28 January 2024, published by Matador Books.
Prema lives, loves and works in London.
‘Be who you want to be. Go LOVE yourself’ Prema, 2024.