
Parul Mehra
Born: 1979
Hometown: New Delhi
Based in: Singapore
Born: 1979
Hometown: New Delhi
Based in: Singapore
Having participated in over 42 group shows & 15 solo showcases in galleries & online portals, I have been painting since 2013 as a professional, after steering the course of my work life from an architecture background. My artwork can be categorised under the realm of Abstract Expressionism. However, I don't believe in labels as I feel my art keeps evolving as does my artistic process. I firmly believe that artists play a very important role in society to sensitise humanity & also to create awareness regarding current issues.
I enjoy channeling my creative ideas through various outlets such as set design for theatre/ writing for publications/ magazine graphics & layouts/art oriented workshops as a facilitator / launching my coffee table art book.
The last one was a dream come true after a decade of working & exhibiting my artworks. It was my passion project to launch an art book with a team of professionals documenting my journey. From over 500 artworks, we selected 129 works to be printed. The book was launched in December 2022 at The National Library Building, Singapore & this memoir got an over whelming response worldwide. Edition II is in the pipeline.
I love using bright palettes & bold motifs. Perhaps, with nature as my favourite muse I feel blessed to be residing in a place such as Singapore which has nature's bounty in plenty! My spiritual daily practice also emerges in my artistic strokes, as observed by my patrons.
I humbly feel that the artworks which my clients purchase should be a source of happiness in their lives.. Hence, it's my constant endeavour to work with themes which are exciting & relevant to me such as energies in the universe/mystical beings/ spiritual settings.
I enjoy learning new techniques and pushing my myself outside of my comfort zone, so I enrolled in 2 art courses at
The Lasalle Collage of Arts, Singapore. I'm also studying art therapy to understand the scientific significance of art used for healing.
I do hope you feel elated after seeing my collection as much as I did while creating them !
It's my belief that all artists visual or performing have the power to transform generational thinking & the ability to express the challenges faced by any civilisation. All countries must support their artists to envision a brighter future which is balanced with artistic prowess along with economic stability. More art based courses at university level should be organised world wide.
What inspires you?
Everything & anything around me could create a spark & be the source for my next piece! It's said that artists are quirky! That's indeed true as I take pride in reflecting mundane, every day objects or situations in artistic spotlight. As an artist it's imperative to be observant & reflective. My best inspiration is from nature's colours & forms
Describe your creative process.
When I begin a day in my studio it's usually with a prayer for a creatively fulfiling day ahead. There are several distractions along the way but I focus with full concentration & take a deep dive into the theme/subject of my artwork. Sketching layouts or concepts along with fine-tuning details is all part of the action. A trip to the art store gives multiple ideas regarding new materials. Making notes is another great tool for me. Also consulting my photo archives from books etc.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Spiritual/ Intricate / Layered
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Raja Ravi Verma/ Sakti Barman/ Arpana Caur/ Shobha Broota/ Hilma Af Klimt / Gustav Klimt / Georgette Chen/ Georgia O' Keefe
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Power of observation & reflection
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Always remain true to your compositional style, despite criticism. There shall be many critics who will try & change your creative style, be open to suggestions but always remain grounded in your roots as a creator. Do not chase current trends, MAKE YOUR OWN TRENDS!
Where do you go for inspiration?
Nature is my best muse, hence to re-boot my creative thoughts I visit nature parks, beaches, gardens - big or small. Another eye opening activity which guides me in my art process is travel, which shows me what else is out there! The libraries filed with beautiful art books are an excellent resource. Movies are another great source of inspiration.
Education
Lasalle College Short Courses
Singapore, 2022
Sushant School of Art & Architecture
India, 2021
Lasalle College Short Courses
Singapore, 2021
Modern School, Vasant Vihar
India, 1997
Awards
Felicitation by Indian High Commissioner in Singapore
2023
Dr. Sarojini Naidu International award for Working Women
2021
Nari Gaurav Sammelan( Women's Day)
2019
Clean India Campaign- Imag India
2018
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ( save the girl child )
2018
All India Artist's Annual Workshop by Tata Steel
2016
Exhibitions
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav at The India High Commision
Singapore, 2022
Natural Entity- Solo show on Artsy by Gnani arts
Singapore, 2022
Confluence of Expressions- Online
Singapore, 2021
And She Slays The Demon
Singapore, 2021
Rule of Narrative
Singapore, 2021
The Spirit Remains Unlocked-Online
India, 2020
Dreamscapes- Solo show
India, 2018
1st International Kala Mela by IGNCA
India, 2018
"Art in Industry" art camp by Tata Steel
India, 2016
A New Dialogue
India, 2016
Solo show at Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkatta
India, 2015
All Women's International show
India, 2015
An Inner Journey
India, 2014
In Transcendence
India, 2013
Press
Artist Talk Magazine
2022
Lux Lucet magazine
2021
Jaamzin online
2020
The Ekphrastic Review
2020
The Times of India publication
2019
The Hindu Daily Newspaper
2018
The Hindustan Times publication
2018
The Sunday Guardian
2016
The Asian Age
2016
Indian Creative Minds magazine
2015
Colours Canvas magazine
2015
Cosmopolitan Magazine
2014
Art & Design magazine
2014