Shalini Yadav is a self-taught artist with expertise in the rich traditional art forms of India. Her multifaceted background has rendered a unique visual interpretation of her paintings yet preserved their sanctity. Her works reflect an amalgamation of Pichwai, Phad, Patachitra, and similar art forms in India and recognises the importance of traditional art in bringing about a spiritual pursuit to enhance her artistic abilities. Shalini’s artistic journey began with her visit to the Bhuri Singh Museum, where she was enthralled by the charm of Kangra paintings. Shalini is inspired by the esteemed Shri Vijay Sharma, a Padma Shri awardee for his expertise in the Pahari School of Miniature Painting. Holding a doctorate in Management and serving as a professor has not deterred her passion for exploring the nuances of different art forms.
Titled ‘ESH ALEKHYA’ (or Visual Description of God) Shalini Yadav debuted with this solo exhibition held in the Main Art Gallery at Bikaner House, New Delhi from 20th July 2024, featuring about 40 paintings composed in the last 5 years. The exhibition highlighted two huge paintings that herald the artist’s evocative detail and extensive research. The exhibition is envisioned as a narrative account of multiple divine incarnations holistically depicting an ethereal charm. Many paintings depict meticulous details in a range of stories, folklore, and mythological scenes in the background.
ESH ALEKHYA was an ode to the timeless art of traditional Indian paintings. Shalini portrayed her reverence for spirituality and gratitude to the God through her artistry. The exhibition was a bard-styled poetic union of multiple energies forming a spiritual undertone and mesmerising interplay between art, storytelling, and mythology forming a harmonious visual tapestry of multi-faceted depiction. This portrayal forms a synergy between the devotee and the divine. Her spiritual pursuit has stimulated a profound exploration of the divine chronicles. Her work provides an overarching unison of elements yet illustrates a repository of her artistic heterogeneity.
