Shilpi Dabral's art is both celebration of life and reflection of its many hues

Relocated to India and till recently based in Dubai, Shilpi Dabral is an artist whose work is driven by the beauty of nature, the power of emotions, depths of spirituality, and the magic of childlike playfulness. A chance visit to World Art Dubai 2022, where she interacted with some of the best artists and their art from around the world, made her realise that her calling was in art.

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

During initial days, her orientation was towards pencil sketches and pastels on paper. Later, she came across acrylics, which, to her, looked very vibrant, colourful and easy to use for a beginner. It became her preferred medium.

She went on to take part in World Art Dubai 2023 where her work won appreciation. Her artworks soon travelled overseas and during her first international art exhibition in Georgia, she came across the impasto style of art. It clicked with her, stirring strong emotions. Her first solo in Dubai took place at Radisson Red in 2024 and she participated in The Beauty of UAE in ART exhibition, Dubai, 2024. Her works were well received at the TESLAM show, which celebrated the UAE National Day in Ajman in 2023. She also took part in the Art Limitless exhibition celebrating the 52nd National Day of UAE and was involved in Be the Change sustainable art exhibition, supporting COP28 UAE, in 2023. She won the 3rd place in the Golden Time Talent (UK) in the painting category in 2023, and was given the Honorable Mention Award by Museum of The Americas in the Small is Beautiful #6 themed exhibition in 2023 in Dubai. Shilpi Dabral speaks to Gulf Today about her art

There is both a playful and a serious aspect to your paintings. Can you comment?