Shilpa Mridul

Lives and works in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Artist statement

My paintings are a synergy of the endless stimuli from the surrounding world and a myriad of my own thoughts and emotions. The abundance of information, the constant fluxes in the environment, the uncertainty of the future and the nostalgia of the past serve as an overwhelming influence for my art. I have painted several series with contemporary environmental and social subjects that I care about deeply. During the Covid-19 lockdown (March 2020, India), while in the confines of my home, I encountered stories and news coverage that shocked me and moved me profoundly. Every day, I continue to read about migrants and daily wage workers stranded on the streets with little money and nowhere to go. The socio-economic disparity in India became extremely apparent and all the more real. I felt an urgent need to respond. And with my paintings, I have found a release and a vocabulary. The language and style of my work is inspired by the Gond art of Madhya Pradesh, India. With the dots and dashes that adorn the paintings, I connect the numerous, scattered thoughts in my head. Gradually, I have created my own style. I paint everything that catches my attention, from the present, the past and the future. Having worked with artisans, my association with the vernacular has been strong. I like to use organic and natural colors in my paintings. I pick colors that are bright and vibrant, sometimes juxtaposing the grim subjects of my paintings and sometimes creating new imaginary worlds. With...

Artwork