Jemila Isa, a London-born contemporary British artist, delves into the black female experience through the mediums of painting, sculpture, and animation, drawing from her West African heritage. Her artistic endeavours have included various shows in London, such as a solo presentation with Black Curatorial and 'Works on Paper' at Blue Shop Galleries in 2024. Isa's contributions to the arts have been recognised with several awards, including the Arts Council England's DYCP grant and the prestigious Black Blossoms Studio Residency, kindly supported by artist Kudzanai-Violet Hwami.

Isa often revisits a poignant motif in her paintings: two women engaged in conversation, presumably around a church service, accompanied by a young girl who either looks intently or cautiously moves towards a white chapel. Initially uncertain of the imagery's significance, Isa's deeper exploration into the societal roles of African women unveiled the profound symbolism of the white chapel, illustrating the church's central role in shaping their worldviews and societal functions.

The church in African Pentecostal communities, both on the continent and within the diaspora, is a pivotal site where religion and cultural tradition intersect, significantly influencing the lives of African women. Through her evocative paintings, Isa captures these complex interactions, depicting how these environments shape identity and expectations.

Another key theme in Isa's work is the figure of the street preacher, a common sight in London's diverse neighbourhoods. These preachers, usually African women, equipped with a Bible and a megaphone, are portrayed in Isa's sculptures which aim to capture their essence. These figures inspire a mixture of curiosity, confusion, and sometimes frustration among onlookers, reflecting the varied public reactions they provoke.

Overall, Jemila Isa's art offers a profound exploration of African women's experiences through the lens of religion. Her work not only portrays personal narratives but also comments on the broader societal roles imposed by the church in African communities. Through her compelling visual narratives, Isa invites viewers into a reflective dialogue about identity, tradition, and the collective experiences of the African diaspora.