Delhi-based artist Shampa Sircar Das’s works with vibrant colours and symbolic motifs, creating a dialogue between Indian heritage and contemporary aesthetics. An exhibition of her works, Bhumi, will open at the Kian Foundation and Gallery on April 6.
“The word, Bhūmi, symbolises the embodiment of Earth and the sacredness of bature. It represents the connection between all living beings and the Earth. Through this exhibition, I aim to convey the importance of living in harmony with the environment,” says Das. Her inspiration comes from Indian philosophy and travels across the country. Das’s belief in the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all living beings is reflected in her works. A viewer will find familiar cultural matrix and references to Indian culture.
The artist, who has won the Raja Ravi Verma Samman 2018, and is represented in the collections of corporate houses, government organisations, galleries and art lovers worldwide, graduated in painting from College of Art, Delhi, and followed it up with an MFA from Jamia Millia Islamia. Her works have been shown at several well-received solo shows, such as the 2023 Pravah at Shridharani Gallery by Art Positive, (collateral to India Art Fair 2024), 2016 Devi – Shridharani Art Gallery by Gallery Art Positive and 2014 Confluence of Consciousness – Kumar Gallery Delhi.
Das’s oeuvre comprises works beased on trees, titled Vriksha series, the Devi series, the Mrigya or deer series and the Hansa series on the swan. Some of her earliest works, from 2010, are untitled and show the artist’s long contemplation with spiritual energies. “My artistic journey is deeply rooted in my Bengali heritage and spiritual upbringing. It has culminated in this profound exploration of the earth’s essence,” says the artist.
Her creative process involves layering textures and colours to create a visual language that resonates with viewers on a spiritual and emotional level. Her use of traditional Indian motifs, such as the Mayura (peacock) and Hansa (swan), combined with a modern color palette, bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary expression.
Among the works on display in Pune will be the Prakriti and Purusha series, on which she has been working for the last couple of years, the Mayura series, featuring the peacock as a symbol, Vigneshwar, which centres the power of Ganesha and a series on Nandi or the divine bull.
“Kian aims to be a bridge between artists and Indian and international art enthusiasts, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. We’re thrilled to present Das’s works to Pune,” says Aarti Naik, a founder of Kian Foundation.