Rajul Shah

Biography

I am an international artist whose work is inspired by the desire to communicate calm and spiritual peace. Having lived in Asia for several years, I am inspired by Asian styles and philosophies; while the intent of my work draws from a previous career in healthcare. I have witnessed strong connections between emotional and physical well-being; and I believe in the importance of sharing positive energy..

The Japanese Art of Kintsugi inspires the translation of my artwork to address aspects of the human condition and its ability to recover from illness, injury and/or trauma; including the impact of humans on the environment.

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. An illness or injury does not make us “ugly” or “weak”. The result of regeneration lends greater beauty to that which is healed.

Kintsugi is a physical manifestation of resilience. Its purpose is to “repair”. The practice emphasizes the beauty and utility of breaks and imperfections. A vessel is repaired using tree sap and gold splicing. Traditionally applied to pottery in Japan, my artworks are 2D representations of this concept.

My creations use a variety of media and materials, such as oil, nihonga, acrylic, gold/silver leaf, paper and other textural compounds. Utilization of Space is defined with color, texture, and/or a combination of materials.

What’s your background?

Before becoming a professional artist I worked in Analytics/Marketing in the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry for 20 years.  After retiring, I pursued my passion in Art studying extensively with local Masters in Tokyo, continuing education classes at the Temple Tyler School of Art in Tokyo and classes at LaSalle College in Singapore.  I studied across Photography, Drawing, Painting (Oil, Nihonga and Acrylic), and Art History.  Although photography and sketching were hobbies growing up - I fell in love with painting.  My first show was in 2016, followed by acceptances in national juried exhibitions in Japan at the National Art Gallery in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art and Ueno Royal Museum of Art.

What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?

It is an honor, an inspiration and a bit scary!  There are so many talented artists across so many mediums and I realize that I am only as good as my last painting.  Hopefully I will continue to earn this honor as my artwork evolves in the future.

What do you think is the role of art in the world today?

“Art” takes on so many forms and is one of the most underestimated human needs.  People don’t realize how much “Art” actually surrounds them; whether it’s the design of your home, the presentation of food on your plate, or the colors in your car.  In one form or another “Art” is all around us.  It is what makes our homes feel cozy, our outward selves look beautiful (clothing, makeup, hairstyles) and our parks and gardens so comforting.

I lived in Japan for 8 years…  “Art” was all around me aesthetically.  It would lift my mood, my outlook and just plain feel good as i went through my day.

That is the role of Art.  To make us feel good, lift our mood, make us think and challenge our outlook.

What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?

I would love to see Art and Creativity more ingrained in early learning.  We spend so much time developing and using the left brain - we lose development of the right brain - and that is where Creativity resides.  Imagine if Art and Creativity classes were as mandatory as Math and Science - humans would think very differently.

What are your most significant professional achievements?

I’ve moved around a bit in the last 10 years.  Re-inventing myself after my first career, establishing myself as a professional artist and then re-establishing myself here in Singapore…  Each show, recognition, and compliment is an achievement.  I am most proud of the national juried competitions in Japan; as well as the international online competitions and galleries my artwork has been a part of.

What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?

My first career taught me of the strong connections between emotional and physical well-being.  My wish is to communicate peace and healing through my artwork.  At the end of a hectic day, I want my clients to come home, see my artwork and just feel a sense of calm, take a deep breath and look forward to the rest of the day. 

What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?

Be true to yourself when you create.  Your artwork is a personal extension of yourself.  Don’t allow that to be influenced by rules or boundaries someone else put together.

In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?

I would love to see my artwork in healthcare institutions, hospitals, doctor’s offices, wellness facilities, etc.  The concept behind my artwork is inspired by the Japanese Art of Kintsugi.  In japan, when a piece of pottery is broken, they don’t throw it away.  It is mended with tree sap and gold splicing.  The end result is a re-creation and evolution of the original vessel.  The teacup is now a piece of beautiful art to cherish.  

The philosophy of Kintsugi is one of resilience, embracing our imperfections, accepting our flaws and becoming a stronger version of ourselves.  This is what I want my art to convey.

Country Singapore

Website https://www.rajulshahart.com