Creativity, divinity, femininity–the journey of artist Swati Tiwari
In this photo essay from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, we showcase a range of paintings and artist insights on creativity.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 915 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
This week, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is showcasing the exhibition titled Anushtubhi ('speech' in Sanskrit, or expression), featuring the works of Bengaluru-based artist and patent attorney Swati Tiwari. It was inaugurated by art historian Nandagopal Choodamani and eminent artist Basuki Dasgupta (see our coverage of 10 years of exhibitions at this popular cultural hub here).
“My journey started with basic dabbling in art such as landscapes and still life. Slowly, I got into a serious mentorship programme under Sydney-based artist Vasanth Rao,” Tiwari tells YourStory.
The solo exhibition features 28 of her artworks on display. “I work on the concept of divine and creative feminine energy – prakruti – in its various forms,” she adds.
“My artworks portray strong, powerful, intelligent, and graceful aspects of the divine feminine. It took me two and a half years to come up with this body of works,” Tiwari proudly says.
For example, she uses the lotus flower as a metaphor to depicts various emotions of divinity and femininity. “I believe the lotus flower has all the qualities that a woman possesses. Its vibrant and radiating colours in my artworks represent the culture and values of the feminine energy,” she explains.
Swati Tiwari
Many of the paintings have flowers as a symbol of the face. “There is also a bindi, reflecting Indian cultural practices. The colours reflect femininity as well, and are bright and beautiful,” she describes.
Her earlier show in Pune in the month of May was titled Aja, along with Vasanth Rao. She has participated in larger group shows as well (see our coverage of the Charvi exhibition here).
The current exhibition has works that show such divine feminine energy in a symbolic manner. “My artworks comprise the dhriti series, devi series and Heramba series. They also showcase the healing aspect of prakruti,” Tiwari describes.
Her artworks in acrylic style on canvas are priced from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakh, depending on size and theme. They have names such as Padmaja, Durga, Narayani, Gayatri, Kamdhenu, Ganga, and Kokilaksha, some of which are featured in this photo essay.
Her hobbies include listening to music, travelling, and reading. Tiwari also explains the creative process behind her artworks.
“I begin with intensive research on my subject. This is followed by a brainstorming session about the concepts and how to portray them on canvas,” she describes.
“This helps decide which aspects will be highlighted in each artwork. I start sketching it on paper and then it goes on the canvas,” she says.
Looking back at her creative journey, she says the highlights are always about the process. “Going through the complete art process is itself very memorable for me. Thinking about an idea, brainstorming that idea, and bringing it to life on canvas is the most memorable experience for me,” Tiwari says.
Executing the idea is not straightforward and can be a challenge. “Bringing out the divine emotion in my artworks is also complex,” she adds.
She uses social media to post updates on her art journey. “I feel social media is a good platform for showcasing your works and your journey as an artist,” Tiwari says.
Art can be personal, cultural and universal at the same time. “One of the most important aspects of life is to discover your own self and try making it a magical experience,” curator Vasanth Rao explains.
Tiwari signs off: “Art is a very beautiful journey. It inspires me, challenges me, motivates me – and every time pacifies me!”
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.)