Although gallerist Kalpana Shah is used to showcasing and promoting other artists' talent, she was not quite so forthcoming about her own
Although gallerist Kalpana Shah is used to showcasing and promoting other artists' talent, she was not quite so forthcoming about her own. In fact, before her recent exhibition, only her late husband who died in the 26/11 terror attacks, and a few good friends including abstract genius MF Hussein were aware of her painting genius. Well, her first solo exhibition, Power of Love is on at her Tao Art Gallery till January 20. Here's introducing the new painter on the block:
WHO: Kalpana Shah
WHAT: Talking about her love for painting
WHERE: Tao Art Gallery
Canvas calling
Even though I have been painting for a few years now, I never really had a distinct style that I would be proud to exhibit. As a gallerist, I knew that if I wanted to showcase a solo exhibition, my work would have to be unique and of a certain standard. When I hit upon an idea for this series and started work on it in 2008, my confidence level rose too. I would wake up with five-six images in my mind and would excitedly share them with my husband. He really encouraged me to paint and was my best critic. I stopped painting for six months after his death. When I picked up the brush again, the ideas continued to flow, but the paintings I created after my husband's death are more meditative in their essence. However, my work isn't morbid. I don't want grief to overpower my life because I have special memories to live on. That character is reflected in my work too.
Finally arrived
Husseinji (M F Hussein) once saw a painting that I'd made for a friend in Dubai and loved it. He promptly called me and said, 'Do you realise what has come out of you?' His reaction became a cherished memory for me and spurred me on to work harder. Incidentally, Husseinji went on to become my first collector.
For the first time in my life I feel that I have arrived. My work is strongly abstract and it's been achieved with a knife and rollersu00a0-- I haven't used the brush at all. I have tried to bring out a texture of metal in my paintings because I feel there is poetry in metal. Only an artist can have this crazy visualisation.
A new beginning
Painting gives me strength and the ability to tell my story in an abstract way. Each stroke has different shades and forms, just like life. It is never in your hands. However, you can choose to make the best of it. I have been able to rediscover myself through my work. From now onwards, I am going to act like an artist. I will keep painting and wait for galleries to invite me. I'm in no race, but I'm going to be around!
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
