We have always been inspired by the new-age artists who bring forth meaning, force and formed effectiveness to the world of creativity and art. Mumbai has been growing and extensively expanding to become a cosmopolitan city where artists and creative minds of different kind breed alongside. Now, the art circuit has a new rising star, talented artist Shetal Dewan. She made her debut just recently at the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery where she showcased her latest series: “From the formless to the form: The Hidden Yantra’’.
Her tryst with art began at a very early age, and like all talented artists she drew inspiration from almost everything around her. She is particularly inspired by the elements of nature, as they are according to her the essence of every person’s being. Each work of art that she creates also has a deep spiritual connection to the mystical world. She also happens to be an experienced psychic and is sought out by some of the most well known people in the city for her intuitive tarot readings!
Sheetal’s latest exhibition is a collection that is fully inspired by a series of abstract paintings which is further inspired by the ancient Yantras. She says, ‘’the yantra is a mystical diagram that is created to contain the power of mantras (powerful chants). They are drawn on the principle that all energies dissipate easily until given a form. Hence, the yantric diagram allows the vibration of the spirit and the mind to stay positive and energies both the body and environment it's placed in.’’ Yes, we thought that this concept was very innovative and interesting to see it come alive! The yantras as we know spread positivity, abundance and harmony, promoting health and healing, which is the heart of the art work – almost like a blueprint - and from there the colors and brush strokes take on a life of their own. The abstracts interplay of the spirit, the mind and the body- governed by the mystic mantra: The Yantra.
The evening was a chance to meet and interact with Shetal, and try and find out the inspiration behind some of her works. Some of the most notable paintings in the series are Kali: the ferocious, Gauri: the invincible and Nitya: The eternal one.
Several A-list celebrities like Shiamak Dawar, Shamita Shetty, Sanjay Puri, Sheetal Mallar, Prasad Bal Joshi from the world of art, and Maithli Ahluwalia were seen keely observing the nuances of the painting. Industrialists like the Singhania’s were also amongst those who attended the preview and were actively interacting with Shetal who was graciously explaining her notable works to guests.
Today is the last day of the exhibition at the gallery. The artist has sold most of her paintings by way of this exhibition and is now looking forward to taking her work abroad to museums and other art galleries. The entire month she will display her work at Artistry, Mumbai and is in talks of exhibiting her paintings in Denver followed by Delhi much later. Is this a busy year for her? Yes, it definitely is and she’s unperturbed by it all and seemingly ready to take on the world of art!