Soho Revue is pleased to present Flies in Amber, a solo exhibition by Layla Andrews. This marks the gallery's third solo show with the artist, who is currently a resident at Tracey Emin's Studios (TKE Studios) in Margate. In this new body of work, Layla Andrews continues her exploration of human emotion and storytelling through a series of paintings in which the crocodile figures take center stage.

By replacing human characters with anthropomorphic crocodiles, the artist invites the viewer to engage from a distance, offering a moment of pause that fosters both empathy and introspection. The crocodile, a creature emblematic of wisdom and resilience, serves as a symbol of endurance across time. Having existed long before humanity, the crocodile’s ability to adapt and survive through the ages is central to its role in these works. The exhibition’s title Flies in Amber, draws a poignant parallel between the stillness of an insect preserved in resin and the preservation of a fleeting moment in time. It evokes the concept of something suspended, yet eternally preserved — capturing the essence of life’s transience. “It’s about seeing our humanity reflected back in unexpected forms.” With her work, Layla seeks to express the essence of being alive, reflecting on the emotions, stories, and fragments of identity that endure and shape who we are. Drawing from her own mixed-race heritage and working-class upbringing within a matriarchal household, Layla’s practice is deeply informed by her personal history, enriching her exploration of both individual and collective narratives.