The story of Isis in Wonderland
I came to Oxford as a student—and loved it so much, I never left. This painting is my love letter to the city that became my home, capturing the joy, wonder, and freedom I felt as a Brasenose College student. It holds a magical, fairytale quality, echoing the enchantment Oxford has always held for me.
In a blend of language and art, the river is made from definitions cut from my actual Oxford English Dictionary, bought at Blackwell’s during my first week in 1990. My English degree flows through everything I cherish here.
I’ve collaged maps of Oxford into the landscape, grounding dreamlike imagery in the city’s real geography. The buildings glow in moody shadows, with bright yellow windows lighting up a luminous nighttime cityscape. The swirling sky of greens, blues, and rusty reds captures the energy and thrill of a ‘big night out’ as a student.
This painting is both a literal and emotional portrait of Oxford—real and imagined, academic and magical, rooted in history yet alive with endless potential. It invites you to connect with your own memories of home, wonder, and possibility.
Painting Details
This original painting is made with acrylic and mixed media on a 40×40 cm cradled wood panel, finished with satin varnish. Price £385.
This work is currently unframed and ready to hang but professional framing can be arranged upon request. Please Contact Me to discuss options if so.
If you’d like to see how this painting might look in your space, just email me at Rachel Gabriel Art with a photo of your room — I’ll create a custom mockup to help you visualise it in situ. Please bear in mind that all mock-up photos are not made to specific measurements - they're just to give you an idea of how it could look.
Delivery
Free postage for collectors who live in the UK mainland.
If you live outside the UK, please Contact Me to discuss shipping.
If you’d like to get the first look at new work or receive exclusive invites to pre-sales and events, please join my free Collectors Circle.