“Within my own works I am often thinking about scales and power; too much emotion or too little; what is frivolous and when am I hysterical?” Cox told The Wick. “As someone who identifies as female and Femme, these power dynamics in relation to the emotions I am allowed (when and where they are used to undermine, and how connected this is to bodily autonomy) can feel massively weighted. Important as a viewpoint historically, but also very much in today’s context.”

Linda Morey-Burrows, founder of MoreySmith, is Cox’s champion for The Wick. She said: “I met Ellie during her second year of a Fine Art degree at Central St Martins, as my son Max was on the same ‘pathway’. I witnessed their group become confident artists despite all the challenges of COVID, only to find themselves saddled with debt. We included Ellie’s work in both the art fairs we’ve organised to date and nine of her paintings were snapped up by collectors (me included), many of whom have strong positive emotional reactions to her work. Her colour technique and sense of form and being has always made her work really stand out. She’s a rising star and one to watch. If, by holding these art fairs I can help put the spotlight on some emerging artists like Ellie, whilst raising funds for charities like Hospital Rooms, all with their own stories and an eclectic mix of work; it makes all the effort well worth it.”

Alongside participating in the Spring Art Fair and Studio Morey Art Fair, Cox’s work has been acknowledged by leading institutions, winning the Saatchi Rising Art Star award, as well as receiving an honourable mention in the Cass Art Prize. Her next exhibition, in the summer of next year, will be the culmination of her participation in the Turps Studio programme, a residency and mentorship programme for painters in South East London. Cox will be among thirteen resident artists presenting work in 2026.

Cox was also recently part of A girl is a haunted house, a special project at The Bath House curated by Second Daughter – a platform centring on women’s stories in dark cinema, performance and art. The group exhibition, which ran to November 6th, featured work by five filmmakers and seventeen artists, contemplating the female body as a site of horror, decay, mystery and transformation. Cox said: “This type of group project that brings together artists working diversely, but all looking to similar interests. This reminds me of the importance of community and shared passion. Furthermore, to see it all coming together and feeling in awe of this moment in time that has been achieved, is to remember what and why I am making the things I do.