Within

‘Within’ is a cropped section of Preah Khan temple, near Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

I’ve cropped the temple so closely that it’s almost impossible to recognise. That’s intentional. I’m less interested in the viewer identifying the building, and more interested in what they notice and how they feel when they look closely.

From a distance, I love the abstraction of the composition and the rich darkness at the centre. There’s a contrast between the textured stone exterior and the simplicity of the dark space within the window.

Up close, the drawing becomes overwhelming in detail: the weathered stone, the intricate carvings, the stains and lichens from the dampness of the jungle.

I think this piece captures the direction my architectural drawings have taken over the last few years. It sits between precise observation and a deeper search for atmosphere and emotional resonance.

This artwork ‘Within' will be on display at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London in 2026. It will be available to purchase through the RA website from June to August.