Mixed media on paper abstract painting titled Evolution III by Rajul Shah
Canvas Connections artist Rajul Shah profile picture

RAJUL SHAH

HEALING LAYERS OF COLOUR AND LIGHT

ARTIST STATEMENT

Using meditative layers of texture and color, my abstract paintings are a fusion of healing philosophies across the Japanese Art of Kintsugi and the spiritual teachings of the chakras. My art explores reflection and invites introspection across abstract expressions of color and form.

Using color theory techniques, I paint colorfields relative to each chakra. I work across a variety of materials, including acrylic, oil, gouache, paper, and metal leaf.  I choose materials based on what inspires me, and often I will use my hands to lay down the first few layers of texture - representing the “grittiness” of life.  As I am an intuitive painter, each layer will tell me what the subsequent layer should be until I find the work to represent the evolution of healing. In addition, Kintsugi lines are drawn in metal leaf/paint to denote resilience.

In Japan, the art of kintsugi is used to mend broken pottery with gold splicing and tree sap to evolve the object into a piece of art to be treasured. 

There are 7 Chakras (energy centers) in the human body, each one commanding a different aspect of the human psyche.  The free flow of energy through these chakras is essential for physical, mental and spiritual well-being as each chakra has its own energy field (aura) of color.

Therefore, my paintings represent the restoration of emotional balance and renewal of chakras, emphasizing the beauty in imperfection and the strength found in repair. “What needs repair does not need to define us. We can heal, regenerate, and evolve into improved versions of ourselves, with renewed strength and purpose”

BIOGRAPHY

Born in Mumbai, India in 1968, Rajul Shah is an abstract artist currently based in Singapore and the United States. Her work centers around concepts of healing and renewal via a fusion of the Japanese Art of Kintsugi and the spiritual teachings of the Chakras.

In her younger years creativity was developed through music (violin and piano) and photography. Shah was also one of an award-winning group of vocal jazz artists. Photography became a hobby in her teenage years, always wanting to capture the “reality” of the world around her as she traveled extensively across the US and to India.

Although she had a passion for creative pursuits, Shah opted for a more “practical” journey in her 20s, 30s and 40s.  College and graduate degrees in business brought her to spend 20 years in healthcare marketing where she enjoyed her work as it contributed to health and well being, overall. 

When Shah moved to Japan in 2012, she took the opportunity to pursue her creative passions.  She evolved her art across several media, including photography, Japanese brush painting, art history and oil painting through studies at the Temple University Tyler School of Art in Tokyo and Mentorships.  Through her mentorships Shah fell in love with “painting”.

On a personal note, Shah found the act of painting especially soothing as she has navigated through Depression and Anxiety for many years.  Between her own health and the learnings she accumulated during her career in healthcare, “healing” has always been an aspirational pursuit.

Rajul Shah’s work has been exhibited in acclaimed venues such as the 82nd Annual Shinseisaku Exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo, the 49th Annual Genyouten Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the 32nd Annual National Japanese Exhibition of Nature at the Ueno No Mori Art Museum. Her work has also been part of international showcases like the 29th Annual International Society of Experimental Artists in Canada, and the Tokyo Tower Art Fair.

Her art is held in various private collections worldwide and has been featured at notable events including the 2018 India Art Festival in Mumbai, the 2019 HartExpo in Barcelona, and the 2019 Tokyo International Art Fair. She will also participate in the Pre-Expo Kyoto in March 2025.

You can view Rajul’s works on Instagram at @rajul_shah_art. If you are interested in any artworks or commission, Rajul can be reached at rajul@rajulshahart.com.

Mixed media on paper abstract painting titled Evermore by Rajul Shah

EVERMORE

MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER

23 X 30.5 CM

2025

The Heart Chakra’s aura is green. This painting represents a broken heart healed

Mixed media on paper abstract painting titled Knowing by Rajul Shah

KNOWING

MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER

23 X 30.5 cm

2025

The color associated with the 3rd Eye Chakra, Indigo, represents intuition and insight. Fusing the use of this color with the art of Kintsugi shows imperfect life experiences are still a path to wisdom. We can improve our actions after gaining further insight and wisdom as we travel through life.

Acrylic on paper abstract painting titled Harmony by Rajul Shah

HARMONY

ACRYLIC ON PAPER

29 X 30.5 CM

2025

Illustrating a fusion between the color energy field of the fourth chakra (heart chakra) and the art of Kintsugi, “Harmony” communicates the strength and confidence to overcome life’s heart breaks. Embracing the wounds, we can evolve into a stronger version of ourselves.

Mixed media on paper abstract painting titled Evolution III by Rajul Shah

EVOLUTION III

MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER

29 X 30.5 CM

2025

Orange represents the second chakra, Svadisthana. In harmony, this chakra allows us to feel joy, prosperity, pleasure and creativity. When out of balance, we can experience social shyness. “Evolution III” symbolizes the chakra coming back into balance.

Acrylic on linen abstract painting titled Transcendance by Rajul Shah

TRANSCENDANCE

ACRYLIC ON LINEN

53 X 72.7 CM

2024

“Transcendence” symbolizes the emotion experienced when we accept and are in balance with our life’s journey. The philosophy of resilience is communicated through the Art of Kintsugi applied to this painting. We can embrace our flaws, improve and define our life beautifully.

EXHIBITIONS

2025

Apr: SuperFine Art Fair, NYC

Mar: Kyoto Miyako Expo, Kyoto, Japan

2024

Oct: Introspections in Resilience, Kitano Alley Gallery, Kobe, Japan

Mar: HERStory, Manhattan Arts International, NYC

Mar: “The Healing Power of Color, Healing Power of Art & Artists, NYC

Feb: Arts House, Singapore - Canvas Connections Group Show

Feb: Camelback Gallery Artist Invitational VIII - USA Finalist

Feb: Grey Cube Gallery 2024 Abstract Art Show - USA Finalist

2023

Dec: Circle Foundation for the Arts “Circle Quarterly Art Review” - Artistic Excellence Award

Dec: Voice of Art II Group show, BeOne Gallery - ION Orchard Gallery, Singapore

Dec: Collectible Art Fair SG 2023 - The Art Space by Natalie Wong, Singapore

Nov: Circle Foundation for the Arts Personal Artist Book Contest - Artistic Excellence Award

Nov: “Celebrations” Group Show - German Centre for Industry & Trade, Singapore

Aug: Bronze Award, Artist Invitational VII, Camelback Gallery, USA

Aug: Art Seen Magazine - The Curators’ Salon. Juried Acceptance Available here on Amazon

Aug: Circle Foundation for the Arts Exhibition in Miami - Artistic Excellence Award

Jul: Longlisted Visual Art Open 2023 UK & International Emerging Artist Awards

Jul: Longlisted Visual Artist Association Professional Artist Award 2023

Jun - Sep: Resilience & Renewal Solo Show The German Centre for Industry & Trade - Singapore

Online Solo Exhibition: Teravarna Gallery Rajul Shah - Teravarna Gallery

Featured Artist: Camelback Gallery Rajul Shah Featured Artist

May: German Centre, Singapore solo show: Resilience & Renewal

Apr: Gallery at the Well, Emerald Hill, Singapore

Mar-Apr: Small Works Group Show Maya Gallery, Singapore

Mar: Tokyo Tower Art Fair, Tokyo Japan

2022

Winter 2022: Circle Foundation for the Arts Quarterly Art Magazine - Artistic Excellence Award

Dec: India Art Fair: Bangalore

Nov: Honorable Mention: 6th Annual Skies Art Exhibition, Fusion Gallery

Oct: Finalist ArtExpo New York Contest: Circle Foundation of the Arts

Oct - Nov: Thrive! Exhibiting Breast Cancer Journeys, NMB Discovery Library, Miami, FL

August: Shortlisted Visual Artist Association Professional Artist Award 2022

August: Longlisted Visual Art Open 2022

Jun: Group Show: True Colors, MusnadiWeskamp Galerie, Koln, Germany

Mar: Passionate Excellence (Group Show) - NMB Library, North Miami Beach, FL USA

Feb: Gallery at the Well, Emerald Hill, Singapore

The Spirit of Resilience 2022, Manhattan Arts International Online Gallery, NYC USA

2021

Nov: International Society of Experimental Artists: “Utterly Unfathomable and Powerfully Profound” 3rd Annual Member Only Online Juried Exhibition.

Oct - Dec: Art in Lockdown, Miramar Cultural Center, Miramar, USA

Oct: XIII Florence Bienniale: Florence, Italy

Sep -Oct: Interwoven: An Exhibit of Breast Cancer Art, Broward Art Guild, Miami, USA

Oct-Jan: Gallery at the Well, Emerald Hill, Singapore

May: Circle Foundation for the Arts 6th Quarterly Art Review: Artistic Excellence Award

2021 Visual Arts Association International Show

2021 Spring Online ISEA (International Society of Experimental Artists)

2021 Mellow Art Award, Japan - Special Prize

Feb: Colors of Humanity Gallery - Red 2021 Show

2020

Nov/Dec: Circle Foundation for the Arts Magazine Art IDEAL: Artistic Excellence Award

Oct: 2020 American Art Awards - 5th place Abstract Expressionism

Aug: 29th Annual International Society of Experimental Artists – originally Alberta, Canada now online due to COVID-19

Apr: 3rd Annual Online “COLORS” Art Competition (international juried), Contemporary Art Room Gallery

Artsy Shark Artist Showcase Spring 2020

Spring All Members Online Exhibition International Society of Experimental Artists

Feb: “If Walls Could Speak” IONArt Gallery w Mayinart/ARTPODium, Singapore

2019

Aug: 32nd Annual National Japanese Exhibition of Nature (National – Juried) Ueno No Mori Art Museum, Tokyo - Japan

Jun: Tokyo International Art Fair (Juried) Belle Salle, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan

May: Hartexpo Barcelona – Art Nou Millenni Gallery

May: 40th Regional Shinseisaku Group Show – Yokohama Civic Center

Jan – Mar: The Healing Power of Art. Online Juried Exhibition. Manhattan Arts International

2018

Nov:  49th Annual Genyou-ten Exhibition (National – Juried) Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno – Japan - Honorable Mention: Kusukabe Paints

Sep-Oct:  82nd Annual Shinseisaku Exhibition (National -Juried) National Art Gallery, Tokyo – Japan

Aug:   Group Show. BMW Gallery. Osaka, Japan

Feb: India Art Festival Solo Nehru Centre, Mumbai, India

2016/ 2017

Oct ‘17: The Fuji Collection Solo Kitano Alley Gallery, Kobe, Japan

Mar ‘17: Blossom Blast Daily Rotating Easel Solo UltraNew Super Gallery, Harajuku, Japan

Oct ‘16:  Indian Icons: Peace, Spirit, Joy Co-Exhibitor DesignFesta Gallery, Harajuku, Japan

EDUCATION

Classes at LaSalle College of Art, Singapore

Classes Temple Tyler School of Art, Tokyo

Workshops: Technique, Compositional and Critique



AFFILIATIONS

Artling

Arts To Hearts - Women in Arts Network Click here

Healing Power of Art & Artists, New York

Manhattan Arts International, New York

Circle Foundation of the Arts, UK

Purple Octopus Art, USA

Vedica Art Studio & Gallery, Mumbai



MEMBERSHIPS

VAA: Visual Artist Association

ISEA: International Society of Experimental Artists

Canvas Connections: Womens’ Art Collective in Singapore

Women’s Art Association of Singapore


PUBLICATIONS

Art Seen Magazine - The Curators Salon, Spring 2025

Art Seen Magazine - The Curators’ Salon. Juried Acceptance Available here on Amazon

SPOTLIGHT Magazine: Issue 32. Healing Winds of Manipura I&II

AATANOU: The Healing Art of Rajul Shah

SPOTLIGHT Magazine: Issue 24, p. 163 Healing Manipura I

ART International Contemporary Magazine January/February 2022

WHITE ENSO. Issue 2 Summer 2021 “A Painter’s Vision of the Art of Kintsugi” - Author: Rajul Shah

Artsy Shark - Feb 2021 “Evolution of an Expat Artist” - Inspiration Article

Passage July/August 2020:  Friends of the Museum, Singapore “The Japanese Art of Kintsugi” Author: Rajul Shah

STUDIO VISIT MAGAZINE, 2019: Volume 45 & 46

ONBEAT Magazine Volume 8, 2017 Tokyo, Japan