Signed Unstretched Expressionist Acrylic Cityscape Painting 'Dilli Haveli III' Item ID: 2669890109

"I am Deepali from Delhi. My friends describe me as a passionate and proactive individual who is loyal to the things I am passionate about.

"Art has been a significant part of my life since my father and elder brothers were in the handicraft business. I was exposed to art at a young age, witnessing different artisans visiting our home with their products. This inspired my journey as an artist, and I would always find myself creating something in my free time. I also explored sculpting at Triveni Kala Sangam and learned Kathak dance during my school years. I have always been fascinated by different art forms and constantly seek to understand and appreciate them.

"Life has presented me with numerous challenges, but the most difficult one was being diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 34 in 2011, with a low chance of survival. However, not only did I survive, but I also decided to promote art as therapy and became a voluntary art therapist at a hospital, serving cancer patients, caregivers, and doctors.

"In 1999, I moved to Hong Kong after getting married, and it was there that I developed a deep admiration for Chinese ink paintings. The therapeutic effect of painting drew me in, and I pursued formal training. I learned Chinese painting for nearly ten years at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Additionally, I completed a one-year Fine Arts diploma in Gurugram, India, which further refined my artistic skills. I have also undertaken certificate courses on abstract painting and healing with the arts from MOMA, New York, and the University of Florida, respectively.

"Apart from formal training, I extensively study and research masters like M.F. Husain, Ram Kumar, Picasso, Braque, Van Gogh, and Cezanne, drawing inspiration from their brush strokes. I also indulge in traveling, exploring museums, and local art places, which contribute to the amalgamation of my experiences, emotions, and travels in my paintings.

"The real challenge arose when, after years of learning art, I wanted to combine the elements of freehand ink painting with fine art painting to develop my own style. It took me two years of experimentation and ruined canvases, but I finally succeeded. My aim is to capture the essence of the city through colors and shapes, simplifying complex structures into spontaneous brush strokes that are visually soothing and mentally stimulating.

"Through my paintings, I aspire to showcase India's hidden beauties, its rich art, culture, architecture, and heritage, on a global platform. Currently, I focus on creating urban landscapes of cities like Benares, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi. Additionally, I explore themes such as the diverse women of India, Indian men with different turbans, and Indian musicians playing traditional instruments like the shehnai, sarangi, and iktara. I primarily use acrylic on canvas, but I have also developed a special series in ink, focusing on Delhi.

"The journey has not been easy, as I was new to the art world and lacked knowledge on exhibiting my works. However, my first exhibition was an invitation to a group exhibition at Epicenter in 2013, and from there, my professional journey began. It has been a rollercoaster ride, with both highs and lows. I have received much appreciation for my paintings of Benares and Jodhpur, which inspired me to create more. The recognition and appreciation I receive for my work gives me a tremendous sense of fulfillment.