Ria Devalia
My artistic focus under the theme of Sensation explores the contrast between bustling, overstimulating environments and moments of quieter, serene isolation. Through layering lithographs, acetate, projections and paint, with the occasional overlay of a moving projection, I compose intricate textures in my works to immerse viewers into the scene they are observing. I enjoy depicting stories through layered paintings, and even the thrilling sensations of dance, or urbanisation in cities such as Mumbai, Shanghai and London.
You may notice a deeply grounded man sitting on the side of the road in Mumbai, in some of my works. His name is Navaraj, and I stumbled across him one day, and listened to his story, asking if he ever feels isolated since he has no belongings or home in such a chaotic city. He in fact said that he simply feels grateful for everything he has and today was a particularly good day as some schoolchildren had given him bottled water. I think that the stories we can communicate through emotional responses in art can teach us deeper life lessons, as reflections on modern society.
My work also reflects the joyfulness in exploring familiar or new locations with family and friends.