An art exhibition is an opportunity to see different artistic styles and mediums, with themes and artistic expressions which are as thought-provoking as they are interesting. While ‘Motherhood’ is a theme which is often chosen by artists, Jyoti Mehta puts her own emotions into this subject in her latest exhibition.
Jyoti Mehta solo exhibition, titled ‘Timeless Ties: A Mother's Memoir’, is on display at Carpe Diem Art Gallery, Majorda, till March 3, 2024.
‘Timeless Ties: A Mother's Memoir’ showcases paintings that capture emotions associated with motherhood. Some paintings which are featured are ‘Hide & Seek’, which is about the childhood game that is enjoyed by all ages; ‘Love Grows Here’ showcases the interconnectedness of love and surroundings.
‘Lost in Words’ depicts a girl engrossed in reading books in traditional Goan houses, where books provide freedom to imagine and experience stories. ‘Playing Teacher Teacher’ is about the childhood game where a girl turns into a teacher.
Friendship, and the act of learning from those around, seem to be significant themes in Jyoti’s artwork.
She speaks of the people who have had a profound impact on her artistic journey and the lessons she has gleaned from them, “There are many people – family and friends from whom I learned so many things. I feel that you can learn from everyone around you, it does not depend on age. If you are learning, you are alive.”
“Friendship is a gift in life, which we should always cherish. With true friends, you are your true self. Moments spent with friends become good memories for life. During my childhood, I was introduced to arts and crafts by my neighbour (Didi). While she was doing her graduation in the Arts, I used to sit besides her when she worked on various projects.”
“In my professional art journey, I was blessed to have noted Goan artist, Sadguru Chendvankar, as my mentor and guide,” she continues.
Jyoti’s paintings have a story-telling element with a focus on dresses, symbolising culture and tradition.
She explains, “We all accumulate memories in life, often wearing local dresses and taking pictures during trips. India is a land of diversity, with each region having unique traditions. My paintings showcase joyful memories of trips, gathering flowers for Pookkalam and dances.”
Timeless Ties is a series of artwork that combines memory, feelings and emotions, and takes them down memory lane, connecting viewers with their own experiences.
BEHIND THE ART
Elaborating on the inspiration and motivation behind the exhibition, and the personal experience as a mother influencing the creation of this series of paintings, she says, “Everyone looks at childhood as the happiest part of their life. When my daughter was growing up, I used to see her spending time with family and friends, enjoying every moment of her life.”
“I also have fond memories of my childhood, which were awakened and I felt I was reliving my childhood. I used to share these memories with her. I decided to capture these memories on canvas so that I can share them with the world,” Jyoti explains.
Jyoti’s artworks are made of graceful figures, interesting colour schemes and textures. Delving deeper into her artistic style, she says, “There are many colours in life. In the same way, I mix a few colours to make new colours.”
She enjoys working with acrylic and watercolour, and the transparency and softness of these mediums. Red, orange, yellow and other light colours can be seen in her paintings.
These are associated with hope, sunshine, happiness, love etc. Blue and purple colours show calmness and spirituality. She also uses light colour schemes in her paintings.
The act of painting provides inner stability for Jyoti and allows her to spread love and happiness through her art. She shares further, “Brush and colours give me the language to translate my thoughts and feelings onto the canvas.”
“For me, the act of painting is a form of meditation. When I paint, all the chaos in the outer world dies down and it gives me inner stability. Painting is a medium for me to spread love and happiness to everyone’s life. While I painting, I often lose track of time,” she elaborates.
Jyoti admires Jamini Roy's paintings with their simple forms and powerful lines; MF Husain's energy and movement; with other favourite artists being Amrita Shergil, Tyeb Mehta and Bharti Kher.
She balances personal expression with universal emotions in her paintings, focusing on family relationships, cultural values, learning and knowledge sharing, capturing the personal experiences of her audience.
Her advice to young artists is, “Enjoy whatever you are doing, because if you enjoy during the process of creating artwork, the viewer will also connect with the artwork and experience the same emotion.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jyoti Mehta is an experienced Goa-based artist with a passion for painting and boasts 15 years in the field.
She holds an MSc in Environmental Science and has received numerous awards, including a certificate of recognition for painting from the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation (2022).
She has also won the Best Artist Award from the Kalaratam Foundation of Art Society, UP (2021); and the Worldwide Art Movement Art Maestro Award (2018). She has also been awarded the Women Artist Award for Goa State (2017).
She has participated in various national and international shows since 2009, including the ‘BBM Convention 2013’ in Rhode Island, Providence City, USA; and the International Visual Art Exhibition by Movimiento De Arte Emenoente, Mexico.
In India, she has participated in the 130th Annual Art Show of the Bombay Art Society in Mumbai; the 8th International Art Exhibition by Women Artists organised by Jammu & Kashmir Centre of Creative Arts (2020); and the FINEXT Award and National exhibition of Mini Artworks in Indore, MP.
