With palette knife, artist Yuvika Garg paints the colours of life
SHARJAH: Yuvika Garg is a contemporary artist based in Dubai. Since childhood, she has taken part and won accolades in various art competitions. As an adult, even as she studied Psychology and Economics and worked in the banking sector, she pursued art courses and was trained by professionals. Relocating to Dubai from India, she says she found the opportunity to explore her interest in art even more deeply. As a first step, she interned at Art Dubai in 2011 — and hasn’t looked back since. She primarily works with acrylics, palete knife on canvas and watercolours.
The role of an individual in contemporary life and their journeys inspire her. She enjoys portraying her subjects in abstract style and finds inspiration from travels. She has participated in various exhibitions locally and internationally. She exhibits regularly at World Art Dubai, Fabriano in Italy and IWS (International Watercolour Society). She is
Kites carry vivid, streaming colours. also associated with social causes. Her work Simply City was chosen as the highest voted artwork by Ahlan Art Gallery, London, in 2017. A finalist at Global Art Awards 2018, she has exhibited at Noon Art Awards, Sharjah, in 2018, and has shown at DIFC Art Nights 2019. She underlines what Art great Leonardo da Vinci said: “Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art. Nature is the source of all true knowledge. She has her own logic, her own laws, she has no effect without cause nor invention without necessity.” “Every blank sheet takes me into a new world which I explore through my brush strokes”, Garg says. “Every work has a story to tell”.
She shares her story with Gulf Today *
What atracts you to palete knife painting?
Palete knife painting is challenging and fun. I generally do a rough sketch beforehand. So, when I am painting, acrylics and palete knife match the speed of my thoughts. The knife adds a lot of texture and thick coats of paint; so I have to be careful about my strokes. I enjoy the process.
Can your work be called abstract realism?
My work is abstract, as in my paintings the elements do not have a definite shape or form. Yet they depict particular themes like citiscapes, people, florals, etc. They can be related to the real world without being realistic. So, yes, you may say so.
Who are the artists who inspire you?
When I was a child, we used to visit a restaurant. It had a painting or a print of Claude
Monet’s water lilies. Every time we would be there, I would ponder over the strokes, which eventually formed lillies without being realistic. Monet had a big influence on how I saw and understood art. Recentiy, I have begun appreciating the work of Belarus-born artist Leonid Afremov.
Did you have formal art training? Who is your mentor/mentors?
My formal training in art was till 12th grade. I joined Ductac and studied from Jivan Hovhanissan. His works are beautiful! While I working as an artist, Shan Fazelbhoy of Kobo Art saw my works and said that my palete knife works come out the best. I explored more and everything fell into place. It has now come to represent my work.
It is obvious you like colours. Why?
That’s true, I like colours. They add value to everything around us. Whether it is the colours in Nature or different things around me like decor or a painting, they make me feel inspired and happy.
How do you find the art scene in the Emirates? Its strong and weak points?
The art scene is crowded in the Emirates. I think this is so because of the demand for good works and many aspiring artists want to try their luck. As artists, we also have to be careful in choosing our galleries.the strong point is that there are so many opportunities for new artists and in the process, new talent comes to the fore.
How have you been working in the covid-19 period?
Artists generally look outside for inspiration, but the covid-19 period has inspired me to look within, introspect and to focus on positive thoughts. It has been a creative burst for me. I have done five new works in the last six months, which includes my work ‘Silver Lining’ inspired by the quote that every dark cloud has a silver lining. Another work ‘Promises’, bagged first position in Kobo Art 2020 competition. I also participated in virtual art exhibitions by Funun Arts.
What is your price range? Who do you sell your art to?
My works are generally in the medium range. Art galleries manage sales for me.
You are also a social activist. Tell us about the work you do in this field.
I feel grateful when I can do something for society. I participate in exhibitions and events which are held for a cause. I particularly like working for children. I participated in ‘Empowering girls through education’ exhibition, which was a collaboration with Dubai Cares. The proceeds were used for the education of girls in developing countries. I also participated in the event ‘Joining Hands’, in which we created paintings with special kids. It was lovely to see them happily painting and enjoying what they did!