ORBIT LUNA AT THE INRDRA GALLERY
Some of the most interesting evenings begin with a friend opening a door to something new. In my case, that friend was artist Phil Davis, through whom I came to discover Orbit Luna at Indra Gallery in Shoreditch. Friendship brought me to the show; the meeting of art, music and imagination gave me plenty to explore.
Phil deserves an introduction of his own. A Fine Art and Sculpture graduate of Loughborough University, he creates landscapes and figurative works alive with rich, vivid colour. Combining instinctive painting with handmade stencils, he brings carefully observed detail into images full of energy and emotion. There is something compelling about that balance between freedom and precision: the colour catches your attention, while the detail invites you to linger.
It was through Phil that I encountered the creative world of Maham Suhail, the London-based artist, singer-songwriter, composer and curator behind Orbit Luna. Like Phil, Maham works across different creative processes, although her canvas extends beyond the visual into sound, photography, digital media and live performance.
Phil says: “It was a blast to be part of Orbit Luna. This was only my second time exhibiting at Indra Gallery in a few days, but it’s already proved a fantastic venue, giving my paintings room to breathe alongside sculptures, projections and live music.
“Watching people engage with my paintings and ask about my creative process was deeply rewarding. As the evening unfolded, the gallery became a space for free improvisation, creating something truly unique.
“Maham did a wonderful job bringing together artists, musicians and art lovers. The spectacularly surreal highlight was Maggie Nicols and Maham’s improvised performance, accompanied by Leyla Ustunkaya and Aurelie Freoua painting spontaneously to the music.
“It may have been a one-day showcase, but the creative energy and connections will stay with me.”Her influences are equally wide-ranging. Soul-electronica, jazz, ethno-folk and world percussion meet in music shaped by travel and cultural exchange. Identity, freedom, love and self-discovery run through her practice.
For Orbit Luna, Maham brought together visual artists and live musicians, with an interactive voice workshop by Maggie Nicols adding an opportunity for visitors to participate. The programme placed contemporary art alongside experimental music and a sound bath, inviting audiences to experience the gallery through several senses.
Thanks to Phil, I had arrived at an exhibition that offered an introduction to both individual talents and the possibilities of collaboration. Naturally, I wanted to know more about the woman bringing it all together. I caught up with Maham to discuss her creative journey, the thinking behind Orbit Luna and what comes next.
MAHAM SUHAIL: THE CREATIVE VISION BEHIND ORBIT LUNA
Q: You’re an artist, singer-songwriter, composer and curator. Where did your creative journey begin?
A: Friends often describe me as a Renaissance woman! Creativity has always been part of my life. As a child, I sang, played piano, wrote poetry and loved drawing portraits.
My first exhibition was in Pakistan in 2010, raising funds for the Red Cross. I subsequently studied art and design in Pakistan and music production at Berklee College of Music, both on scholarships.
I’ve always loved combining music and visual art. Orbit Luna brings these passions together through immersive exhibitions, performance and sound.
Q: How have your travels and experiences of different cultures influenced your work?
A: I was born in Pakistan, have lived in India, Spain and the UK, and travelled to more than 25 countries.
These experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of identity, freedom and belonging, themes that continually appear in my work.
Studying Sufi music in Pakistan and India also influenced my spiritual development. I’m fascinated by cultural fusion and how different artistic traditions connect.
For me, identity is constantly evolving, shaped by our experiences, relationships and surroundings.
Q: What inspired Orbit Luna at Indra Gallery, combining visual art, live music and sound baths?
A: Orbit Luna represents an otherworldly experience inspired by celestial movement, nature and transformation. Interestingly, Maham means “my moon” in Persian.
I wanted the gallery to become a living artwork, combining paintings, sculpture, film, installations and music.
Visitors could explore freely, participate in improvisation or simply absorb the atmosphere.
Our Art as Meditation strand encouraged reflection through sound, poetry and silence, while Art as Mediation brought together artistic experiences to inspire dialogue and fresh perspectives.
My hope was that everyone would leave feeling inspired and perhaps transformed.
Q: How did you select the artists and musicians, and what connected their work?
A: I wanted to create a diverse artistic ecosystem, bringing together established and emerging artists from different generations, cultures and creative disciplines.
The exhibition included artists associated with institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths and Berklee College of Music.
Together, we represented more than 11 ethnic backgrounds, exploring painting, photography, sculpture, film and experimental music.
What connected us was a shared interest in memory, spirituality, transformation and the human condition. I believe art can encourage healing, challenge perceptions and inspire change.
Q: Why was audience participation, particularly during Maggie Nicols’ interactive workshop, so important?
A: Free improvisation is about freedom of expression. You don’t need training or experience; everyone can participate.
Maggie Nicols created an atmosphere where people felt comfortable experimenting. Artists including Jo Morrison, Aurélie Freoua and Leyla Ustunkaya contributed to an exciting fusion of sound, movement and live painting, alongside Northcore’s electronic music.
Some visitors spontaneously joined in, which was wonderful!
Orbit Luna encourages people to overcome inhibitions, explore their creativity and connect with others.
Ultimately, I want audiences to understand that art isn’t something they simply observe. They can become part of it.
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