The artist draws inspiration from her visits to the monasteries of Ladakh.
The ongoing exhibition by artist Shampa Sircar Das which was on display from January 25, 2025 till January 31, 2025 at the Cymroza Art Gallery in Mumbai, is far from an overnight phenomenon. The showcased works trace their origins back to the pandemic, a time when the artist deeply reflected on self-realization and drew inspiration from her visits to the monasteries and nunneries of Ladakh. Additionally, her passion for travel seamlessly intertwined with her meditative pursuits during this period.
Contrary to expectations, this collection of experiential narratives does not rely on abstract forms. Instead, it offers a visually engaging tapestry of recognizable elements. Majestic elephantine forms traverse a serene blue cloudscape, while the grounded philosophy of Purush-Prakriti is depicted through tranquil waterscapes adornedwith floating swans. Above this delicate natural imagery lies the overarching theme of Prakriti as a consciousness that transcends the material world. This concept takes a striking visual form when Prakriti is personified as a solitary deer, spotlighted amidst a meticulously crafted meadow collage, exuding a harmonious blend of inner tranquillity and profound reverence for Mother Nature.
Shampa’s love for travel is vividly reflected in her work, offering viewers a glimpse into her adept use of photographic documentation from Ladakh’s remote village monasteries. These spiritual spaces, adorned with iconic deities in vibrant azure hues, turmeric robes and finely detailed features, have been weathered by time and neglect. Instead of lamenting their deterioration, Shampa transforms these memories into compelling backdrops for her art. By merging ritualistic references from the past with her contemporary artistic practice, she evokes a powerful resonance, blending the silence of antiquity with the vibrancy of the present. This fusion conveys a poignant message about life’s transience and the enduring vitality of Nature.
The exhibition culminates with a collection of larger-than-life sculptures crafted from modern fiberglass and finished with a bronze-iron patina. These works serve as a striking contrast, symbolizing the permanence of nature against the fleeting impermanence of human creations, leaving visitors with a profound sense of reflection and awe.
