Heleena Theodore’s Debut Exhibition “UNCENSORED” Is Here — And You’re Invited

There's nothing we love more at Other Box than watching people win. And this one is personal.

In 2018, we first had the joy of working with British South Asian artist Heleena Theodore for our first International Women's Day event (see below) and we've been cheering her on ever since. Now, seven years later, we're beyond proud to be producing her first-ever solo exhibition as part of our brand-new event series, Other Box Presents. Consider this a full-circle moment and the ultimate celebration of what happens when creatives are given the space, backing, and community to shine.

When Heleena reached out to say she was ready for her first solo show, we knew it had to happen, and we knew that we had to help make it happen.

"I reached out to Leyya as a friend expressing that I wanted to have a solo exhibition," Heleena says. "I knew Other Box would have all the knowledge and expertise to make my dream exhibit happen. They have shown time and time again that uplifting and supporting their community is what they're all about. Other Box gave me my big break back in 2018 and has been cheering me on throughout my journey. I wouldn't trust anyone else to work on making this lifelong dream of mine a reality."

Other Box brand partnership with Skinnydip London, International Women’s Day 2018 (From left: Saliah Bryan, Rachel Isabelle, Leyya Sattar, Alia Romagnoli, Maaria Lohiya, Roshni Goyate, Mary Lo, Gauri Kumar, Nadia Javed, Jasmin Sehra, Heleena Theodore)

So, let's get into it: Introducing Heleena theodore ‘UNCENSORED’

Mark your calendars:

🗓️ Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 March 2025

📍 Canvas, East London

🎟️ Tickets available now at otherbox.co/heleena

Heleena will showcase her much-anticipated Lali and Lili series for two glorious days. A provocative, playful, and powerful body of work inspired by 16th-century Indian erotica, mythical creatures, and South Asian folk art. Picture this: fierce characters, dripping in confidence, reclaiming pleasure, desire, and sexuality in ways that challenge the shame so often woven into our cultural narratives.

"These pieces are my way of breaking down the taboos around sex, pleasure and nudity in Indian culture. I always aim to create work that fellow members of the diaspora can resonate with or see parts of themselves in."

And mission accomplished. UNCENSORED is bold, liberating, and an open invitation to see ourselves as our whole, untamed, joyful and sensual selves in every brushstroke.

What to Expect

✨ Bookable one-hour slots for an intimate viewing experience.

✨ Special Meet & Greet: 12pm Sunday 23 March (ticket includes exhibition viewing, meet Heleena and 10% off a signed book).

✨ An exclusive Q&A with Heleena on Saturday 22 March at 6pm, where you'll hear directly from the artist herself about the inspirations, processes, and stories behind the work (this is now sold out so please join the waitlist).

It's more than an exhibition.

This event is about so much more than the original art you'll see on the walls (though, trust us, the art alone is worth it). It's about celebrating the artists in our community who are shifting culture and taking up space on their own terms. It's about supporting British South Asian creatives making the kind of work many of us have waited our whole lives to see.

And for us at Other Box, it's exactly why we do what we do. To back talent like Heleena's, to bring these ideas to life, and to create spaces that feel like home. UNCENSORED is the first of many Other Box Presents events, where our goal is to support global majority-owned brands and creators to connect with their communities through in-person events authentically, and we couldn't ask for a more perfect way to kick things off. These in-person events aim to build meaningful connections around shared interests while spotlighting incredible businesses, creatives, and changemakers shaping their industries. 

So come through. Bring your people. Experience something unforgettable.

Tickets are live now → otherbox.co/heleena

We can't wait to see you there.