Delhi-based young artist Deveshi Goswami juxtaposes the ‘free-flowing emotions with the feeling of ecstasy that emanates from it’. Her solo show, ‘Fluid Emotions: Distilled Ecstasy’ was recently held at Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam. Presented by Sanchit Art, the show subsequently shifted to Sanchit Art Gallery at DLF South Square Mall. 

According to the gallery’s curatorial note, Deveshi’s art “resonates with the playful abundance of a carefully regimented palette. Paper, mostly white and unprimed, plays the role of a fertile soil in which her loaded brush rolls freely.  What eventually emerges, under her critically observant soul, is a reflection of an intriguing unity unmistakably calm, fluid yet orderly, hidden within.”

Born to artist Neeraj Goswami, Deveshi grew up in a home filled with canvases of all sizes and shapes. In her art, she expresses the introspective atmosphere of the deep spirituality she grew up with. Her abstract paintings juxtapose fluid emotions with a restrained and distilled ecstasy that emerges from it. 

A Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, Deveshi’s works have been exhibited both locally in New Delhi as well as in international, locations including Singapore and Hong Kong. Curated by Arun Ghose, ‘Fluid Emotions: Distilled Ecstasy’ presented the artist’s recent works — an interplay of fluid forms with definitive lines. “My work pushes you to find meaning in the irregular shapes and lines that appear in front of you. None of these shapes or forms has one meaning to it. They’re like clouds. Always metamorphosing,” says Deveshi.

 

I’m a contemporary abstract artist. My creative process starts with play. I play with an abundance of colours; it’s like a party on my canvas. Paint everywhere! Once that party is over, I meditate with my line drawings and create a semblance of harmony and balance in the painting and uplift the work till I’m filled with joy — a distilled ecstasy. 

I use many conventional and unconventional tools and mediums in my work. Along with the acrylic paints, pastels and charcoal I sometimes use the unconventional emulsion paint, sometimes even sand and use other found objects as tools on my work. 

During my college days, I experimented a lot, studied portraits, the human body, explored video installations and performance art. I’ve even had an amazing experience doing sculptures and installation but making abstract painting is something that stayed and has become an integral part of my art practice. I’m in the process of working on an installation. I hope to showcase it soon.

 

I don’t think that idea has ever struck my mind up until now. The artist never tries to differentiate their work from the rest. It’s the artist’s work that speaks for itself and stands out. As far as the technique goes, most artists are doing mixed media. All my canvases are mixed media. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with one type of medium and stuck with it till the end. I love to build my canvases with layers and layers of different type of media. 

We live in a physical world and not all our experiences are joyful — some are positive, some are negative. My colour palette for the current body of work represents ‘the now’ or the ‘now’ (the present) it was painted in. The choice of colours, along with the conscious fluid lines, shapes and forms incorporate the essence of within (the inner child or the energy or soul). So, when you connect with an artwork, it directly speaks to your energy or soul that resides within. I am 100% sure it’ll transcend you even if it’s for a few seconds. 

For artists, their artistic impulses lie in the act of creation. It’s something which almost has a god-like/divine quality. My ‘now’ pushes me to paint. I want my viewers to be open when they’re looking at my work. It might not always make sense. Be open, devoid of thoughts, and the painting will guide you. My paintings usually communicate with the viewer depending on their individual ‘now’. 

 

I grew up in a space where I was always surrounded with art. So my father, Neeraj Goswami, an eminent Indian artist, has influenced me to become an artist. I was around so much art and the artist while growing up that I became one. A few artists that inspire me and that I love are: Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky, Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali, Joan Miró i Ferrà, Gerhard Richter, VS Gaitonde, Ganesh Pyne, Ram Kumar, SH Raza, Neeraj Goswami, Damien Hirst, James Turrell — the list is long. 

I’ve just had my first solo show. After being busy with the show, I’m slowly getting back to my art practice. I’m presently drawing a lot. I keep my sketchpad with me wherever I go. So, currently, you’ll find me with my sketchpad either writing or drawing.