SWATI PALEKAR
TEMPORAL CONVERGENCE: EXPLORING A FORGOTTEN PAST.
I specialize in endangered Indian folk and tribal art, whose authenticity is waning in the face of artistic commercialization and a severe lack of cultural awareness. My work features naturalist, mythological, and spiritual elements that are of personal interest and is influenced by my deep appreciation for India’s rich sociocultural, artistic, and religious heritage. I enjoy using an array of vibrant colors and patterns, mythology, and folk-inspired themes to create both contemporary and traditional artworks. My medium of choice is acrylic, although I do experiment with fusions of ink, gouache, and water colors in my work. I don’t limit myself to any one type of canvas, painting on walls, metal, glass, wood, paper fabrics, and furniture.
To me, painting is a path to finding my “happy place”. I find creating intricate patterns a very peaceful and meditative activity. I aim to spread awareness and preserve and revive Indian folk & tribal art through conducting workshops & talks.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Swati Palekar is an Indian-born visual folk artist currently based in Singapore, with an interest in endangered Indian Folk/Tribal art. She is the Founder of Swayam Folkart, an artistic enterprise that she founded in 2012 after a decade-long stint in the financial services industry. Intrigued by the vibrancy of ethnic South Asian art, her foray into the industry began with her research into the technical elements of ‘Mithila’ art. Swati prides herself on her holistic approach to the study of art, opting to gain a solid grounding in the cultural history and technical peculiarities of her styles of focus. Her current areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, Mithila, Pattachitra, Gond, and Kalamkari art.
Swati is currently studying Indian and Mughal miniature art and loves to keep an eye out for the more esoteric styles of Indian art that haven’t made their way into modern art circles. She currently works out of Goodman Arts Centre, a Singaporean art studio, where she conducts the bulk of her research alongside the occasional educational workshop. Swati supplements her artistic passions with community outreach events, having been invited by local town councils for mural painting and awareness projects. Besides research and community work, she also accepts painting commissions and regularly exhibits her artworks in local and international exhibitions.
You can view her works on Facebook at @SwayamFolkartPainting. If you are interested in any artworks or commission, Swati can be reached at SwayamFolkartPainting@gmail.com.
BIOGRAPHY
ARDHANARISWARA
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
54 CM X 76 CM
2018
‘Ardhanarishwara’ is painted using the techniques of traditional Mithila folk art style with a contemporary twist. It represents the perfect synthesis of male and female forms representing the Prakriti and the Purusha, the feminine and masculine energies of the cosmos. I have used the contrast between the warmth of the orange and the calmness of the deep blue in an attempt to creates a visual balance, harmonizing the dualities Ardhanarishwara represents.
GOPALA
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
60 CM X 76 CM
2022
‘Gopala’ basically means protector of cows is another name of Krishna and is known for his divine playfulness in Hindu mythology. In this painting Krishna is engaged in the playing of his flute while he tends to the cows and allows them to graze for pastures alongside enrapturing their minds with the beautiful tune. I have used the traditional Gond tribal art techniques to create intricate patterns on the cows.
BHALACHANDRA
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
91 CM X 91 CM
2018
The word Bhalchandra means one who carries the moon on his head. I always have had a beautiful image of Ganesha (‘Sumukh’-beautiful face) in my mind. Very ‘tejaswi’( radiant), with beautiful eyes full of empathy. And in between his two beautiful eyes lies the beautiful crescent moon representing the importance of maintaining a calm and stable mind to achieve anything you wish in your life. Everyone has an image of their favorite Ganesha in their heart and this is my attempt to put on canvas how I visualize my Ganpati bappa- Beautiful, handsome, calm, royal & vibrant.
FOLLOW THE SUN
GOUACHE ON WATERCOLOUR PAPER
30 CM X 42 CM
2022
‘Follow the Sun’ is painted using the techniques of Gond tribal style. It features a vibrant composition of a pair of interlocking birds. The intricate patterns across their bodies, with scales is meticulously detailed giving a sense of texture and movement and convey a sense energy and vitality inviting the viewer to consider the interconnectedness of life.
EXHIBITIONS
2023
Dec: Azhage Azhagu Agnaru by Tat Tvam Asi, Arts House, Singapore.
July: ‘Soorya Fest’, Singapore.
2022
Dec: Varnam Art exhibition, Singapore.
2019
March: Freedom & Love International Art Exhibition, Indonesia.
2018
Sep: The Ganesha Universe Art Exhibition, Singapore.
2017
Oct: The Bold & the Beautiful Art Exhibition, Singapore.
2016
Sep: ‘Anubhava’ by Tripataka, White House @ Emily Hill, Singapore.
Apr: Artisan Market 2016 by Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.
2015
Nov: Tanjong Pagar GRC & Radin Mas SMC IAECS , Singapore.
Aug: Exhibit & talk on Madhubani Folkart @ Fabindia Singapore.
EDUCATION
Self taught Indian Folk art painting.
Certificate in Western Abstract Painting Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Singapore.
EXPERIENCE
August 2012 to present:
Founder- Studio Swayam Folkart, Singapore.
Conducting Traditional Folkand Tribal Art Workshops, Painting Commissions.
AFFILIATIONS
Canvas Connections, Women’s Art Collective, Singapore.