Statement

We live in a world of ‘todays’, replete with instant judgment and gratification – the ‘new’ quickly losing its sheen with the arrival of its successor. Growing up in a rapidly changing environment, I struggled with the gnawing question of whether we should paint a sky so bright that only a few can look up or use the shimmering threads of our foundation to find a way to a collective glowing future.

I have traversed through the fields of my home in Chhattisgarh, the busy lights of my family in Delhi, to the unyielding secluded winters of Helsinki, on my path to self-discovery. The pages interwoven with despair and immense blessings. In response, my art is a homage to the world I experienced while growing up. We can always strive for more without being less.

My acrylic and oil paintings are inspired by memories of my childhood years in Chhattisgarh and embody the colours and themes of Indian hinterland. Symmetry was not my friend from an early stage and my paintings embrace asymmetry and imperfections in all its glory. With the use of a bold, vibrant colour palette I bring childhood nostalgia back to life. The often-solitary figures in my paintings, have hooded eyes and sombre, contemplative expression, which are directed at the viewer in a muted bid of hope.

My process is intuitive and spontaneous at times. The art and its creator growing together with discovery and joy. Every change in colour scheme and addition to composition is layered with the diverse experience of then and now. Through my paintings, I find others and myself at peace with the beauty of this imperfect life.