Shilpa.mridul Mridul

Lives and works in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Artist statement

My paintings are a synergy of the endless stimuli from the surrounding world- 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. I have found an anchor within the chaos, a shelter in a seemingly ceaseless storm. 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...

Artwork