We are delighted to introduce Shyamolie Madhavji to our Q&A’s. You can also view her work in The FLUX Review- V2 Virtual exhibition.
Allow me to start by introducing myself as a passionate visual artist, textile designer, and freelance set designer. Being brought up in a family full of art lovers and established artists it is no surprise that I have inherited this creative talent too. Raised in Mumbai, I am habituated to the main hub of street art and popular art festivals and exhibitions. I have acquired a BA (Hons) Fine Arts degree from the Arts University Bournemouth. After spending years experimenting with painting, installation, media, and curation, I have returned to Mumbai and founded Faceprints, where I work on paintings and textile prints.
My artwork is a combination of my personal upbringing in Mumbai and cultural heritage and lineage from Kutch, my hometown. My paintings bring out the scenic visuals in Mumbai that one sees on a daily basis in this beautiful metropolitan city. These visuals are contrasted with colourful amalgamations of Rogan and Ajrakh handicrafts from Kutch.
After visiting my motherland, Kutch, and living with the local craftsmen and artisans, I was grateful to learn the tedious process of textile printing. This inspired me to make my own textile designs and revive them in my paintings. Portraying my cultural background and traditional values through my artwork gives me immense satisfaction and pride. Being brought up in a family of art lovers and artists it is no surprise that I have inherited this creative talent too. Textiles and handicrafts have always been very close to my heart as my great-grandmother used to paint on saris and various other garments. Seeing her paintings made me motivated to give back to my ancestral roots and motherland.
My personal upbringing and ethnic values have played a huge role in my artistic career and has helped me develop this unique and original style. My work allows me to explore my unconscious ideas and awakens my creative personality. I find myself continuously discovering more about the historical background of my hometown and emotionally connecting myself with various traditional customs and ethnic values.
Self-taught or art school?
I graduated with a BA (Hons) Fine Art from the Arts University Bournemouth.
How would you describe your style?
My artwork is a combination of my personal upbringing in Mumbai and cultural heritage and lineage from Kutch, my hometown. My paintings bring out the scenic visuals in Mumbai that one sees on a daily basis in this beautiful metropolitan city. The artwork is contrasted with a colourful amalgamation of Rogan and Ajrakh handicrafts from Kutch. Working across various mediums, my works include painting, installation, textiles, and experimental photography.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I like to experiment with various mediums and create new innovative artwork. My artistic style has developed over the years. I started off with using watercolours on paper, moved on to printmaking, experimented with installations/guaches/oil paint/performance/digital art. However, I am most comfortable with using acrylics on canvas as I believe they easily bring out my intricate and striking designs.
Is narrative important within your work?
Yes, narrative is extremely important in my artwork as my works focus on weaving together traditional crafts with contemporary ideas. My creations have a personal touch and narrate a story of my ethnic beliefs, cultural values, and family upbringing.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
My favourite artist is Faig Ahmed, I feel a deep connection with his carpet and rug installations. His designs bring out his personal upbringing at home and his time spent with craftsmen in Azarbaijan. His artworks participate with the audience which makes his work come alive. My installations are inspired by his practice and I have always admired his style.
What or who inspires your art?
The biggest inspiration for me as an artist is the skilled craftsmen and artisans of Kutch. Seeing their devotion and time spent on their crafts motivates me to give back to my ancestral roots and revive their designs in my artworks. My creations are my own interpretation of these intricate crafts from Kutch. It inspires me to highlight the magnificent handicrafts of Kutch in my paintings.
Where is your studio and what is it like?
My studio is located in Mumbai, around 10 minutes from my house. I enjoy spending time in my studio which also has an outdoor balcony. My studio is around 90sqm, small but enough space for me to experiment with new materials. I also have an antique painting desk and stool which was used by my great grandmother who was also an artist.
Do you have any studio rituals?
I prefer to have no visitors in my studio, as sometimes people like to watch me while I paint, which I don’t find very pleasing. I also don’t like showing everyone my unfinished work unless I have posted on my social media handles about my process work.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a new series which focuses on the hardworking and devoted tea vendors in Mumbai. I am also in talks with a few fashion interior designers for textile collaborations.
Artwork for sale- https://www.faceprints-shyamolie.com/
