'Stories Of Gods Left An Indelible Mark On Me': Dr. Shalini Yadav On Her 'Esh Alekhya' Exhibition
'ESH ALEKHYA', is not just a collection of paintings but a profound homage to the spiritual narratives that shaped Dr. Shalini Yadav's childhood and continue to inspire her artistic journey.
In traditional Indian art, where stories of gods and goddesses come alive through vibrant colours and intricate details, Dr. Shalini Yadav stands as a modern-day bard. Her latest exhibition, 'ESH ALEKHYA', is not just a collection of paintings but a profound homage to the spiritual narratives that shaped her childhood and continue to inspire her artistic journey.
Dr. Shalini Yadav is a self-taught artist with expertise in the rich traditional art forms of India. Her multifaceted background has rendered a unique visual interpretation of her paintings yet preserved their sanctity. Her works reflect an amalgamation of Pichwai, Phad, Patachitra, and similar art forms in India. Shalini recognised the importance of traditional art in bringing about a spiritual pursuit to enhance her artistic abilities.
Spiritual Antecedents And Creativity:
Dr. Shalini’s artistic journey began when she visited the Bhuri Singh Museum, where she was enthralled by the charming Kangra paintings. Shalini is inspired by the esteemed Shri Vijay Sharma, a Padma Shri awardee for his expertise in the Pahari School of Miniature Painting. Holding a doctorate in Management and serving as a professor, has not deterred her passion for exploring the nuances of different art forms.
"I come from an era of storytelling (bedtime stories). As children, we would wait for our parents to tell us bedtime stories that were mythology, folklores, and fables about gods, and it got ingrained how good deeds are important, how good always wins," Dr Shalini tells ABP Live, adding, "Stories of gods like Rama triumphing over evil and Krishna's playfulness with the gopis left an indelible mark on me. It was a natural progression for me to visualise these tales through art."
Born into an army family, Dr. Shalini's life was marked by constant moves, yet her mother's artistic talent provided a consistent thread of creativity wherever they went. "My mother taught me the nuances of colour and form," she recalls fondly. "She was my first and most influential teacher."
A Journey Of Artistic Exploration:
It took her years to create 'ESH ALEKHYA'. Her artistic evolution is evident in the 40 paintings, each representing years of meticulous research and creative expression. Influenced by traditional Indian art forms such as Pichwai, Phad, and Patachitra, Dr Shalini's style seamlessly blends vibrant colours with intricate detailing, capturing the essence of each divine narrative.
"Once my children grew up and moved out of the home, I began to feel lost. So, I turned to painting," she explains. "I could spend hours immersed in my art, experimenting and learning from online resources and books."
The Artistic Tapestry Of ESH ALEKHYA:
At the heart of ESH ALEKHYA are Dr. Shalini's interpretations of timeless epics and divine manifestations. Explaining one of her paintings, Dr. Shalini told ABP Live, "Rather than depicting Krishna and Radha dancing alone, I integrated various moments from their stories into a single canvas. It's about capturing the entirety of their divine playfulness and love."
Her admiration for Shri Vijay Sharma and the Pahari School of Miniature Painting is palpable in her work, evident in her meticulous detailing and reverence for traditional techniques. "He has taught me the importance of precision and authenticity in art," she says. "His influence has shaped my approach to painting."
Balancing Tradition And Innovation:
In her artwork, Dr Shalini pays respect to tradition while at the same time trying not to overstep the boundaries of the traditional in her work. Every artwork is a reflection of Shalini's comprehensive research combined with her artistic expression.
"Experimentation is crucial," she affirms, "but it should destroy the art form." Although her paintings reflect the influence of classical mannerism coupled with modernism, she has not lost sight of the identity of traditional art forms.
How Traditional Art Stays Relevant In The Modern World:
Dr. Shalini Yadav underscores art's transformative potential in preserving traditional Indian art forms. She has crafted contemporary works like Nadhwara Haveli and integrated diverse Pichwai elements. Moving forward, she aims to maintain the integrity of traditional art forms while innovating, ensuring they resonate with modern audiences and uphold cultural heritage.
About ESH ALEKHYA Art Exhibition:
Titled ‘ESH ALEKHYA’ (or Visual Description of God) and curated by Zahir Khan, Shalini Yadav is debuting with this solo exhibition to be held in the Main Art Gallery at Bikaner House, New Delhi from 19th July 2024, featuring about 40 paintings composed in the last 5 years. The exhibition highlights two huge paintings that herald the artist’s evocative detail and extensive research.
This is not just an exhibition, but it stands as a record of Dr. Shalini's personal development as an artist and her journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Through her exhibition, she encourages people to enter the world created by her paintings, which narrate the stories of Indian mythology in a completely different key with a new shade as she believes that tradition does not mean a lack of experimentation.
ESH ALEKHYA is an ode to the timeless art of traditional Indian paintings. According to the curator Zahir Khan, the artwork of Dr. Shalini Yadav’s ESH ALEKHYA is a beautifully woven, interwoven abstract representation of spiritual stories with dedication and apprehensive aesthetics.
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