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Krishi Shah

Mumbai, India

Krishi Shah (b. 2000), a visual artist based in Mumbai, India, graduated from the prestigious California College of the Arts, San Francisco, in 2022, where she was awarded a merit scholarship throughout her studies. Krishi’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that nature is not merely a refuge but a vital connection to our inner selves. Her artistic practice mirrors the solace and sense of belonging she finds in natural spaces, feeling as though she were an ancient tree—grounded, stable, and at home in the world. The pandemic heightened her sense of confinement, driving her to seek even deeper connections with nature as a sanctuary. Krishi’s art invites viewers to fully I'mmerse themselves in the sensations, emotions, and healing power of her creations. Growing up in a society fueled by the relentless race for success—where validation was often tied to achievement—Krishi began to question conventional definitions of worth. She challenges the notion that we must constantly prove our value, instead embracing the belief that we are enough as we are just like a creature in nature. Through each piece, she seeks to portray nature’s fleeting dance—its unique personalities and interconnections. From the whisper of the wind to human emotions that evoke joy, solitude, or contemplation, each brushstroke becomes a tribute to life’s poetry. This meticulous process is meditative for her, fostering a deep connection with her work. Through abstracted colors, I translate the heat, chaos, mystery, magic, and harmony that nature embodies, while rendering the fog, diversity, and subtle mystique of these landscapes.These places, rich in natural heritage, offer a connection to something beyond beauty and skill; they tell stories of resilience and coexistence that I hope to bring forward in every piece. I also choose to depict places that are in dire need for our attention and biodiversity conservation like the Western Ghats, Sundarbans and Himalayan regions . Climate change in India is drastically affecting its flora and fauna. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation are shrinking habitats and endangering species.Through her work, she advocates for mental well-being and environmental conservation, emphasizing the I'mportance of protecting the natural world that, in turn, protects us.

Krishi Shah is a Mumbai-based background artist and illustrator whose work explores the deep, emotional connection between humans and nature. Inspired by the fluidity, resilience, and quiet mystique of the natural world, her paintings translate landscapes into immersive, atmospheric compositions. Using abstracted colours and delicate textures, she evokes the heat, chaos, and harmony found in forests, mountains, and shifting skies.

Through her work, she also highlights fragile ecosystems like the Western Ghats, Sundarbans, and Himalayas, drawing attention to the urgent need for environmental conservation. Blurring the line between reality and memory, Krishi’s landscapes are more than just visual experiences—they are invitations to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

Artist Interview



Q: Your art reflects a deep connection to nature as a sanctuary and source of belonging. Can you share how specific natural landscapes have influenced your creative vision?


A: My art draws profound inspiration from natural landscapes, each offering a unique narrative. When depicting a place, I strive to capture its defining elements and interconnected ecosystems. For example, my work on the Sundarbans portrays the full circle of life—from the mangroves and their roots to the marine biodiversity, Bengal tigers, and native flora. This approach highlights the intricate harmony of these environments, advocating for their conservation while celebrating their beauty. Each piece reflects my vision of a world where nature thrives and is deeply valued.





Q: You challenge societal definitions of worth by embracing the idea that we are enough as we are, much like nature's creatures. How does this philosophy manifest in your creative process and finished works?


A: My philosophy, rooted in the belief that we are enough as we are—like nature’s creatures—shapes my creative process and finished works. I aim to evoke serenity and the enchantment of nature, transporting viewers into a calm, introspective state. By incorporating human figures with roots, I symbolize our interconnectedness with the natural world, portraying humanity as grounded and unified with its surroundings.


While my work highlights specific ecosystems, it also conveys the vastness of life’s interconnected web, reminding us of our small yet vital role in its balance. Ultimately, my art encourages viewers to cherish and protect nature, which sustains us all.





Q: Your use of abstract colours translates the chaos and harmony of natural landscapes. Can you walk us through your approach to creating these abstract representations?


A: My approach to creating abstract representations of natural landscapes begins with foundational washes, establishing a sense of flow and curve that ties all elements of the painting together. This flow is central to my work, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life. I use curves and fluid abstractions to depict terrains, water, and mist, creating a visual language that mirrors the harmony found in nature.


By layering textures and colors, I capture the delicate balance of chaos and order inherent in natural landscapes. These abstracted forms invite viewers to experience the interplay of movement, light, and depth, translating nature’s essence into a cohesive and immersive visual narrative.





Q: Growing up in India, how has the cultural richness and diversity of the country influenced your artistic themes and techniques?


A: Growing up in India, the cultural richness and diversity of the country have deeply shaped my artistic vision. I am inspired by the intricate storytelling and detailed aesthetics of Indian miniature paintings, which emphasize harmony in nature and interconnectedness. At the same time, Western influences, such as Disney's animated films, have infused my work with a sense of fluidity and wonder, bringing movement and magic to my compositions.


This fusion of influences is evident in my work, where I combine traditional intricacy with contemporary abstraction. For example, in my depictions of ecosystems like the Sundarbans, I employ detailed forms to celebrate biodiversity while weaving fluid landscapes to evoke serenity. My art bridges tradition and modernity, inviting viewers to experience the quiet grandeur of nature through a multicultural lens.





Q: Your art emphasises endangered places like the Sundarbans and Himalayan regions. How do you approach creating works that convey the urgency of biodiversity conservation while maintaining artistic beauty?


A: My approach to creating art that emphasizes endangered places, such as the Sundarbans and Himalayan regions, is rooted in striking a balance between storytelling and visual allure. I am not specifically drawn to the idea of "pretty" art; instead, I strive to craft works that evoke both emotional resonance and urgency.


Just as good words alone cannot create a compelling book, I believe that art must go beyond aesthetics to communicate a deeper narrative.I aim to find a harmonious intersection between the enchanting beauty of natural ecosystems and the pressing need for biodiversity conservation. My background in animation greatly informs this process, helping me guide the viewer’s eye through deliberate shapes and flows that subtly reveal the story I wish to tell. For example, in my depiction of the Sundarbans, I use a blend of intricate details, such as mangrove roots and Bengal tigers, with abstract, fluid elements to illustrate the fragile yet interconnected nature of this ecosystem.


This balance ensures that while the work is visually captivating, it also draws attention to the importance of preserving these vanishing landscapes. My goal is for viewers to leave with both a sense of wonder and a call to action.





Q: What advice would you give to young artists navigating the intersection of creative expression, societal pressures, and environmental awareness?


A: To upcoming artists, I would advise staying committed to your passion. Focus on the purpose behind your work rather than financial gains. If you’re true to your craft, success will follow in due time. It’s important to consistently put in the effort—draw, paint, or create every day. Stay curious and keep learning, whether it’s through attending art events, fairs, or opening nights. Network with fellow creatives, seek constructive feedback, and continuously refine your skills. The journey may take time, but persistence, dedication, and connection with others will guide you toward growth and fulfilment in your artistic career.




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