opening reception: continuum [degrees of separation]

My exhibition Continuum [Degrees of Separation] at Gallery Beyond opens on September 6 and continues until October 6. The opening reception is on Sep 6 between 6.30 and 9 pm. Details in the exhibition postcard.

Please come for the opening if you are in Mumbai!

exhibition news: continuum

Exciting news. I am happy to announce that I have two solo exhibitions coming up. Continuum features drawings, paintings and mixed media work across two exhibits - [Degrees of Separation] and [The Illusion of Edges]. The first exhibition, Continuum [Degrees of Separation], opens at Gallery Beyond (Mumbai) on September 6 and will continue until October 6. The second exhibit, Continuum [The Illusion of Edges], will be held at Carroll Community College in Westminster (MD) in Spring 2019. 

I am in Mumbai right now preparing for the show at Gallery Beyond. The opening is just a couple weeks away! Stay tuned for more information.

exhibition: 10x10

For the past few weeks I've been organising the 10x10 Invitational exhibition at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center along with Artistic Director Gretchen Schermerhorn. In its third edition, this exhibit will include more than 85 regional and national artists displaying prints, sculpture, paintings, drawings and a variety of other media. All work has been donated by artists, the sale of which will go towards funding programs at Pyramid Atlantic. The exhibition opens this Friday, November 3 at 6pm and continues until December 17. I am participating in the exhibition too. Below are the three mixed media artworks I am showing.

psyche structure I
mixed media on paper, 10x10", 2017

psyche structure II
mixed media on paper, 10x10", 2017

orbital realisations
mixed media on paper, 10x10", 2017

exhibition: INK IT Contemporary Print Practices

unlikely treasures
lithograph, 4.25x2.75" (folded), 2016

My print 'Unlikely Treasures' has been accepted for the juried exhibition INK IT: Contemporary Print Practices at BlackRock Center for the Arts. The juror for the exhibition is Helen Frederick, who is an artist, curator, educator and the founder of Pyramid Atlantic Art Center; a major figure in the DC arts scene. I am happy to be part of an exhibit that she has juried. It's great to be showing my work at this regional printmaking exhibition along with such talented artists, many of whom I know personally.

The exhibition will be up from February 11 until March 11, and opens this weekend on Saturday, February 11th (2-4pm). Here is the postcard.

to tucson and back: highlights and thoughts

It's been almost a month since I got back from Tucson. After the feverish pace of the past few months, I took it easy these last few weeks; to collect my thoughts and renew myself for new work.

I began the year asking myself an important question. What was the exhibition at The Drawing Studio going to be about? The answer came slowly. The more I thought about it as time went by, the more I was convinced about the idea. ((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) captured what I had in mind. The title itself comes from a painting from late 2013, but its essence is something that I often see in my work. Working towards ((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) was a lesson in focus. To see it come together into a coherent form was equal parts satisfying and daunting.

I found myself focusing on the idea in other ways. While I worked in the studio, with the music of Max Richter (The Blue Notebooks and Memory House), Dustin O'Halloran (Lumiere and Vorleben) and Radiohead (A Moon Shaped Pool) playing, I realised that many of my favourite tracks in these albums were minimalist and quiet, strong and aglitter. Something about their starkness and simplicity helped me articulate my thoughts about looking, about distances, about opposites, about contradiction and unity. There were books that I read or reread this year that strengthened my ideas about what I wanted to communicate - The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley, The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav, The Invention of Solitude by Paul Auster and For the Time Being by Annie Dillard. I wrote posts like Silent, Empty and Wild, When you Paint and The Endless Ocean that were explorations of those ideas. It felt like I was taking something and turning it around in different ways to understand and process it. 

The opening reception for ((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) was well attended. The feedback I got about my work was generous and enthusiastic. What words can describe the feeling? To see that the work done in the solitude of the studio can touch another person. 

I also gave a talk at the opening, which went over my beginnings as an artist and the work I did then. I talked about my time in Tucson and at The Drawing Studio, the lessons I learned in Josh Goldberg's class, the work I've been doing for the past few years and the work in the exhibition. 

The Drawing Studio did everything to make the exhibition and the opening perfect. They also did a Q&A with me in preparation for the exhibition and published it on their blog. You can read the interview here.

((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) was the highlight of 2016. But another major part of my life this year has been Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Last year I was selected for the Studio Internship at Pyramid Atlantic. That internship was the beginning of a friendship with some of the most creative, funny and supportive people I know. Once my internship came to an end, I began volunteering, and eventually became a staff member early this year. After spending most of my time in the studio, I look forward to my time at Pyramid. For inspiration, fun and lots of work. It has been so wonderful to work for a cause that is close to my heart.

On that happy note I will take your leave. Happy New Year dear reader. I hope that 2017 is a year of simple joys, good work and focus. May our personal quests be our true north. May barriers fall, and love shine. 

((mountain x crow x echo)) exhibition postcard

The date for my exhibition at The Drawing Studio is getting closer. I am busy with last minute preparations, and I leave for Tucson in a few days. Also, the postcard for ((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) is here! Do come for the opening on December 3rd if you are in Tucson.

exhibition: ((mountain x crow x echo))

I have been waiting to share some wonderful news. I am going to have my first solo exhibition this December! ((Mountain x Crow x Echo)), as the exhibition is called, will be held at The Drawing Studio (TDS) in Tucson (Arizona). As some of you may know, I was a volunteer and student at TDS while I lived in Tucson. It is where I studied abstract painting with Josh Goldberg.

((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) opens on December 3rd and will continue till January 16th 2017, and will include paintings, drawings and prints. I don't have the exhibition postcard yet. But here are the details of the show on The Drawing Studio website:

((Mountain x Crow x Echo))

Paintings, Drawings and Prints by Priya Vadhyar

Dec. 3 – Jan. 16, 2017 
Opening Reception: Dec. 3, 2016, 6-8 PM
Abstract artist Priya Vadhyar will exhibit her paintings and prints that evoke dream life, landscape and mystery. A graduate of the University of Mumbai, and a former student of TDS faculty member 
Josh Goldberg, Priya now resides in Columbia, MD, so it is a treat to have her back in Tucson for this exclusive show. 

About ((Mountain . Crow . Echo)) 

((Mountain x Crow x Echo)) is the meeting place of the minuscule and the towering, edge and void, known and unknown. It is both stillness and chaos, presence and eternity. The intersection of restraint and spontaneity, foresight and hindsight, inside and outside. Emerging from contradiction is a meaning elusive yet tangible - a becoming of something that already is. 

I'll be off to Tucson in a few weeks - to put up the show and attend the opening. I will also be giving a brief talk on opening night. If you're in Tucson or thereabouts, please come to the opening! 

exhibition: roll it out, ink it up

The Allegany Arts Council is hosting a show Roll It Out, Ink It Up at Saville Gallery in Cumberland (MD). The group show is a continuation of the exhibition Roll It Out!, which was part of the print symposium at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (PAAC) in November. The exhibition showcased the work of demonstrators and speakers at the symposium. The same show is now on in Cumberland with the addition of a few more artists from PAAC. I am really excited to be part of this wonderful exhibition, in which I have three monotypes on display.

I have been working on monotyoes since December, experimenting with both oil-based inks and acrylic paints. For the exhibition, I decided to show the ones made with acrylic paint. As a printmaking medium, acrylic paint is both challenging and satisfying. I like the painterly effect of acrylics, in addition to the texture and vibrant colours. On the other hand, the paint can dry too quickly while working. I plan to try acrylics with a retarder to see what results emerge. For now I am happy with the outcome, and glad that some of these experiments are part of the exhibition in Cumberland.

The opening for Roll It Out, Ink It Up is on Saturday February 6th between 6 and 8pm and is on until February 20th. Below are the details of the exhibition.

the starling paradigm

monotype, 10x8", 2016

an unfolding

monotype, 10x8", 2016

continuum

monotype, 10x8", 2016

exhibition, a point and line to plane xi: paintings

The exhibition 'A Point and Line to Plane XI' at Gallery Beyond in Mumbai opened today. Below are the paintings I am displaying. The first painting, titled 'The Mirror', is an acrylic painting on canvas and is 48x36 inches in size. The second, also acrylic on canvas and the same size, is called 'Once upon a Breeze, a Magpie'. The third painting, titled 'Once Upon a Breeze, a Magpie (II)', is acrylic on paper. The fourth, untitled, is acrylic and watersoluble graphite on paper and is 24x18 inches in size.

As mentioned in the previous post, the exhibition features abstract paintings by nine artists. The exhibition is on at Gallery Beyond until the end of August.

the mirror
acrylic on canvas, 48x36", 2015, priya vadhyar

once upon a breeze, a magpie
acrylic on canvas, 48x36", 2015, priya vadhyar

once upon a breeze, a magpie (II)
acrylic on paper, 24x18, 2014, priya vadhyar

untitled
acrylic and watersoluble graphite on paper, 24x18", 2014, priya vadhyar

exhibtion: a point and line to plane xi

Gallery Beyond (Mumbai) is hosting the 11th edition of its annual abstract exhibition starting tomorrow July 17th. This year the show is called 'A Point and Line to Plane XI' and will showcase the work of nine artists - Arvind Patel, Abhijit Kumar Pathak, Dev, Rajnish Kaur, Smita Kinkale, Shiladitya Sarkar, Sunny Malwatkar, Vishal Joshi and myself. I'm excited and honoured to be showing my work with such amazing artists.

The theme of the show in the words of Gallery Beyond - "The common thread that weaves these artists together is Abstract Expressionism. Abstraction does not deal with objects or with effects or with images. It is a purely expressive art, one that excludes all the styles of the past and is a plastic art with only one purpose; to inspire human nature towards beauty."

Below is the exhibition poster. The opening of the show is tomorrow at 7pm; the show will continue until the end of August. Gallery Beyond's beautiful space and the art in that space beckon!

exhibition: the 377191 wall

Starting May 23rd, I am going to be part of an exhibition in Mumbai. Gallery Beyond in association with Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is hosting an exhibition titled 'The 377191 Wall: Freedom to Express, Freedom to Choose'. The exhibition postcard explains, "238 artists come together to express their solidarity with the fundamental right to freedom to speech and expression and the freedom to choose whom to love. While Article 19 (1) (a) protects the freedom to speech and expression, section 377 of the IPC is a law that criminalises same sex relationships. The group show of 279 mixed media works reflect on both these issues." 'The 377191 Wall' is about an individual's right to be who she is, to live with dignity and equality. It is about the right to express one's self without censorship. Artists and activists come together in this unique show to say that being human means being able to express oneself and love another without fear.

How awesome is it to be part of such an affirmation?

'The 377191 Wall' is a small works show. I am showing two paintings, both acrylic and watersoluble graphite on paper. The exhibition opens on May 23rd at 6.30 pm and will run until June 27th. Below are the two paintings in the show and the exhibition details.  Do drop by!

still, I stand,
the wind speaks
acrylic and watersoluble graphite on paper, 8x8", 2015 priya vadhyar

with a map of winds,
I traverse
acrylic and watersoluble graphite on paper, 9x9", 2015 priya vadhyar

exhibition: visions of hope

Hello all! I am participating in an exhibition at Columbia Art Center. 'Visions of Hope', as the show is called, celebrates the 100th birthday of James Rouse, the urban planner and philanthropist who was responsible for the creation of Columbia as a planned community. (You can read more about James Rouse here. Incidentally, he is also the maternal grandfather of actor Edward Norton.) 

My entry in the group show is an acrylic painting on canvas. The title of the piece is 'Of the Same Bliss'. 

The reception for the show is today between 6 and 8pm.

'of the same bliss', acrylic on canvas, 30x40", ©2014 priya vadhyar

inner city in juried show

My painting Inner City has been accepted for a juried show titled 'Sanctuary through Partnership: A Collaboration Featuring Flight', which has been organised in association with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Tucson Jewish Community Center, the Tucson Museum of Art and The Drawing Studio.

As the IRC mentions on its website: The group show is the result of a year long conversation about the meaning of sanctuary for the world's most vulnerable. The theme stems from the IRC's Flight exhibit, a special portfolio of works by twelve 20th century masters like Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró and Robert Motherwell, representing their interpretation of the struggle of those who flee from their homes in search of freedom. The collection was organised by Varian Fry, an IRC representative in France during World War II, who rescued over 2000 writers, artists, intellectuals and other refugees who were being targeted by the Nazis.*

The exhibition will be held at the Tucson Jewish Community Center Fine Art Gallery, starting March 15th until April 16th, and will be placed alongside the Flight exhibit. The opening is on March 17th. Also part of the schedule is a panel discussion with artists and Jeffrey Cornish, Executive Director of the IRC on March 24th.

inner city, acrylic on canvas, 30x40" ©2013 priya vadhyar

*source: The International Rescue Committee

home from the gala exhibition - david andrés etching

The Drawing Studio (TDS) gala on Friday night was such fun. There was music and wine and hors d'oeuvres, people mingled, sat around the many tables in the studios, looked at the gala exhibition and made their lists. And then when numbers were being called out, people waited eagerly and then hurriedly (but politely) made their way hoping to get the artwork that spoke to them the most. By the end of the evening, everywhere were happy faces, holding the artwork they chose.

And I was one of them. The Drawing Studio generously gave me a ticket to the event (as a volunteer) and therefore the opportunity to take home an artwork. When my number was called, I went to the piece that I wanted the most - a print by David Andrés. The artwork is a solar polymer etching of a star fish titled 'Estrella Maris - Bahia San Pedro Mexico'. And here is the image of this beautiful piece full of texture and mystery - the star of the sea.

estrella maris - bahia san pedro mexico, solar polymer etching, 8x10", 2008 david andrés

(detail) estrella maris - bahia san pedro mexico, solar polymer etching, 8x10", 2008 david andrés

My artworks in the gala (see earlier post) found happy homes too. 'In the Moonlight' was selected by TDS faculty Sherry Bryant and 'On a Grey Note' was the choice of Lori Ryder, who is an artist and also the Director of Volunteers and Membership at TDS. I am glad that these two lovely ladies have my work. Thank you Sherry and Lori!

exhibition - the drawing studio gala 2013

2013 is off to a wonderful start. I'm exhibiting my work at The Drawing Studio, as part of their annual fundraiser gala titled 'The Paper Ball'. The theme of the exhibition is works on or of paper, and is a collection of 200 artworks each donated by artists mostly from the Tucson area. By selling 200 tickets to the event, The Drawing Studio will raise funds that will go towards its educational programs for the youth and the elderly and also adult scholarships.

Each ticket holder will receive a number and during the course of the evening, numbers will be drawn  randomly. When one's number is called, the ticket holder can choose one of the artworks exhibited for themselves. So each ticket holder will leave with an artwork at the end of the evening. Great concept, isn't it?

And I am one of the artists contributing to the gala. I have two paintings in the show - one is an ink painting on watercolour paper, and the second is a watersoluble graphite 'painting' on watercolour paper. For both paintings I have used molding paste on the paper to create a layer of textures and peaks.

My paintings and the rest of the exhibition is on display now and the gala event is on Friday 25th January. The event will include a silent auction of artworks by renowned Tucson artists that will also raise funds for The Drawing Studio's educational programs.

If you are interested in attending the event at The Drawing Studio, you will find information here on their website.

'in the moonlight', ink on watercolour paper, 15x21" ©2012 priya vadhyar

'on a grey note', water-soluble graphite on watercolour paper, 16x20" ©2012 priya vadhyar 

updates, a painting and an exhibition

A lot has been happening the last couple of months. For one, I've become a volunteer at The Drawing Studio. TDS (short for The Drawing Studio) is an organisation run by a community of artists, which offers art classes and hosts exhibitions. I've been helping out often, and in doing so am getting to know local artists, learn new things and be an active part of Tucson's art community. I have also signed up for a couple of classes at TDS. Work continues. I am exhibiting a painting I recently made - an acrylic painting titled 'Pool of Sky'. I'll be showing this at Solar Culture Gallery at their exhibition starting on 29th September.

pool of sky, acrylic on canvas, 30x40"  © 2012 priya vadhyar

at the opening

I had a great time last night at the opening of the group show at Solar Culture Gallery. It was awesome to see my painting up on the wall and people looking at it intently. I met some very talented artists, spoke to them about all things art and saw phenomenal art works. All this thanks to artist and gallery owner Steven Eye and his partner Kati Astraeir who is also an artist. Such a brilliant opportunity for local artists to show their art and see the work others are doing! The show is on for the next four months. Do check it out if you have the chance!

group show

I am participating in a group show at an awesome Gallery called Solar Culture here in Tucson. The opening reception is tonight. My work on display is a new acrylic painting on canvas. I've added close up shots too.

untitled, acrylic on canvas, 28x48", ©2012 priya vadhyar

untitled (detail), acrylic on canvas, 28x48", ©2012 priya vadhyar

untitled (detail), acrylic on canvas, 28x48", ©2012 priya vadhyar

untitled (detail), acrylic on canvas, 28x48", ©2012 priya vadhyar

untitled (detail), acrylic on canvas, 28x48", ©2012 priya vadhyar

a fine arts festival, wild cats and my work

I was part of a fine arts festival this weekend. The University of Arizona Wild Cat Center had a stall with wild life photographs for sale and I joined them to raise funds for conservation efforts with the display of my work. I had two new pieces (photographs below) and some of my ink paintings on display.

After a rainy and windy beginning on Saturday, Sunday was a nice sunny day for a fair. Although the turnout was low, I met some really nice people at the fair - artists, organisers, participants, visitors. The show ended today, but we plan to put up the art and photographs in a gallery space soon. More updates on that later.

*
 chalk on paper, 18x24",  © 2012 priya vadhyar 

*
charcoal on paper, 18x24",  © 2012 priya vadhyar 

my work at the fair

visitors viewing my work

yours truly