Shubhra Chaturvedi’s Solo Exhibition at Bikaner House

Bikaner House opens its doors for Shubhra Chaturvedi’s solo show, ‘Khud Se RoohbaRooh: Soul to Soul with Self.’ These sensitive works in paper pulp, canvas and paper, including two dramatic installations offer a profound exploration of current times couched in the poetry of an aesthetic experience. The show curated by Georgina Maddox will be on view from 21st to 26th September 2024, (11 AM to 7 PM). The preview is scheduled for 21st September, 5:00 pm onwards. These works, spanning from 2018 to the present, are a powerful response to the cultural, social, and political upheavals that have shaped our world in recent years.

At the preview, you can catch up with Ms. Devyani Sahai (Associate Director, Ojas Art) and Mr. Rahul Ram (Singer/Guitarist/Music composer Indian Ocean Band). The exhibition works on innumerable levels and in several mediums, bringing together a variety of expressions; yet they maintain a continuity of form that examines the self. The Urdu word translates to, “coming from opposite directions with pleasant surprise” or “meeting.” It also means “having a face-to-face encounter with one’s self or soul.” The word has been interpreted poetically in many ways and Shubhra brings another level of analysing the empowerment of self-evaluation and self-questioning.

Artist, photographer, and social commentator, Shubhra Chaturvedi is a storyteller; whether she is in front of her canvas, behind her lens, or creating another dimension in her work. Recently Shubhra has been soaking her hands in paper pulp, orchestrating colour to tint its surface, coaxing it onto moulds and shapes, watching it dry in the sun and then spraying it with fixative. One would say Shubhra’s creative process is much like birthing a child, for as she gives vent to her creative expressions, the act of nurturing is enhanced.

Moving from the painterly surface of the canvas to the three-dimensionality of soft paper-pulp sculptures, Shubhra has covered much ground. The prior works were primarily paintings however, a fall where she fractured her hand, led to her discovering the medium of paper pulp, proving once again that often some of the most positive developments come from diversity. Her work is an exploration of conflict—both within herself and in the external world—and a visual articulation of the societal fractures that have stirred her consciousness. The resulting pieces are socially aware, emotionally raw, and intellectually stimulating, tackling issues that resonate on both micro and macro levels.

Shubhra’s work moves from moments of truth and empirical experiences that we encounter each day and it goes on to describe her state. Often objects tell us about a person’s journey, and it is a collection of these objects that Shubhra summons, housing them or camouflaging them within her paper-pulp bowls. The bowl is a rich metaphor, for it encapsulates both the contents of material life as well as the contents of the soul. It is in the canvases that Shubhra does not hold back on her socio-political messaging, where she shames and calls out against violence perpetrated against women and minorities. The assemblage of colours, textures and letters, essay a poetic as well as aesthetic content. Besides the large works and statements that the artist has engaged in, she also works in the intimate small format on paper. It has been said that small works can also be a way to make a subtle statement, and it is this aspect that is enhanced in this body of work.

With social commitment, a love for nature and a love for the still, quiet moments of life, Shubhra possibly exudes a gentle feminine energy through her work as an artist; she also functions as an aesthetician, teacher and activist. Her work allows viewers the space to think through things that they often feel are ‘not their issue’ or one may feel ‘powerless’ against. Every voice, every thought and every opinion counts.

“This collection is a reflection on my life, my environment, my principles, and my politics,” Shubhra explains. “It is as much a dialogue with myself as it is with the world. My work acknowledges the pain, yet it also celebrates the beauty and gratitude I find in life.” Each piece serves as a bridge between her inner world and the ever-changing landscape of the external world, inviting viewers to confront their truths, fears, and hopes.

About Shubhra Chaturvedi

Shubhra is a Delhi-based artist whose work explores the intersections of personal and societal consciousness. She uses oil, acrylic, and mixed media to express her reflections on cultural, social, and political themes. Her pieces are emotionally charged and deeply introspective, drawing viewers into a profound engagement with both self and society. Her work spans painting, installation art, sculpture, and photography, reflecting her deep engagement with themes of sustainability & nature.

Shubhra’s artistic journey began in 2004 under the mentorship of Vasundhara Tewari Broota, where she started exploring the central themes of her work. In 2006, she expanded her practice to include photography, studying under Shailan Parker and Joginder Singh. This addition enriched her ability to capture and create unique perspectives on various subjects. Shubhra’s work has been widely recognized, with numerous exhibitions and commissions, including installations at five Delhi Metro stations. Currently, Shubhra continues to refine her craft under Rameshwar Broota at the Triveni Art Department.

Image Courtesy – Shubhra Chaturvedi