Gabriela Mifsud
I am a 25-year-old artist based in Philadelphia, working primarily with acrylic on canvas. Over the past year, I’ve been called to create more intentionally—developing a visual language that feels honest to both my practice and my personal evolution.
My work lives at the intersection of the natural and the nostalgic, shaped by movement, memory, and the quiet moments that tend to linger. In many ways, painting has mirrored my own growth: learning to loosen, trust my intuition, and embrace softness without losing structure. The shifts in color, form, and gesture across each collection reflect a deepening relationship with myself—each piece marking where I’ve been, and where I’m going.
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Inspiration
Collection No.1 - Structured & Rooted
This collection is grounded in memory, form, and stillness. Inspired by the natural balance of Ikebana and the nostalgic atmosphere of my grandmother’s home in Glendale, Queens, these pieces reflect a quiet intensity. There’s a sense of control and rhythm—each composition carefully built around structure and restraint. It’s a body of work that holds space with quiet strength and emotional weight.
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Collection No.2. - Light & Unbound
This collection marks a visual and emotional reset. After the structure and darkness of my first collection, I wanted to work more freely—to experiment, to loosen, to play. These pieces embrace airiness, movement, and softness. The process felt lighter, more intuitive, more romantic. There’s a sense of release in the forms—less control, more feeling.
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Frames
All frames are thrifted—some antique, some just really good finds. I grew up going to flea markets and auctions with my dad, who’s a collector, so I’ve always loved old objects with history. That feeling definitely makes its way into my work, especially through the frames.
Color Palette
Collection No.1 - Moody & Rich
The palette is dark, warm, and reflective: deep blacks, cool browns, and warm metallics dominate, creating quiet drama. Oval shapes and delicate white florals offer softness, but the overall tone remains moody and grounded—echoing the emotional depth that inspired it.
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Collection No.2 - Airy & Bright
The color palette is colorful, positive, and intentionally outside my usual comfort zone. As someone drawn to understated tones, this was a personal experiment in embracing brighter, more digestible colors. The result is a cohesive yet playful visual language—fresh, airy, and full of warmth.
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Garden
A large amount of inspiration also came from a home in Haddonfield, New Jersey. The property had been beautifully gardened by the woman who lived there prior—she timed the blooms to come in waves, so every couple weeks something new would show up. I began my first painting in the attic studio of that house, where the window looked out onto a wall of tall lilies.