In the heartland of Rajasthan, where tradition meets contemporary expression, one artist has been pushing the boundaries of creativity, transcending the conventional to evoke raw and intense emotions through his unique form of art. Shubham Malav, an enigmatic young artist, who’s extraordinary approach to art is marked by a profound engagement with his canvas, which he elevates to an almost mystical experience. However, what truly sets him apart is his willingness to physically immerse himself in the emotions he paints, often subjecting himself to physical hardships to attain artistic liberation.
Shubham Malav’s art defies categorization; His canvases are alive with vibrant colors, bold strokes, and textures that seem to pulsate with raw energy. What sets his work apart is the philosophical emotional resonance that emanates from each piece. His paintings evoke a sense of struggle, pain, and the weight of deep-seated emotions, making them overwhelmingly relatable to some and distant to others.
Shubham Malav’s journey into the realm of his art practice began as a quest to capture the intangible aspects of the human experience. He was drawn to the idea of using art as a medium to convey emotions that often go unspoken. Through his distinctive approach, he channels his own inner turmoil and emotions onto the canvas, inviting viewers to confront their own emotions and experiences through the power of his art.
What truly sets Shubham Malav apart from other artists is his unrelenting commitment to his craft. He goes beyond traditional painting methods by immersing himself physically in the creation process. To experience the depths his emotional weight, he has even chained himself and attach weights while painting to feel the pressure and pain. This unorthodox approach might seem extreme, but it allows him to form an intimate connection with the emotional content and authenticity in his work.
Shubham Malav’s art has the uncanny ability to elicit visceral reactions from viewers, causing them to confront their own emotions and experiences.
This young artist is not only celebrated for his unique approach to art but also for his unconventional isolationist stance in his practice of art and the way he presumes others art. While many artists draw inspiration from their peers and predecessors, Shubham has intentionally distanced himself from the works of other artists, fearing that outside influence may dilute the authenticity and emotional intensity of his creations. This intriguing aspect of his artistic journey adds a layer of mystique to his already captivating body of work.
For Shubham, the fear of getting inspired by other artists is grounded in a deep-seated concern that external influences might water down the intensity and uniqueness of his artistic vision. He believes that by avoiding the work of others, he can preserve the emotional purity that characterizes his art. This fear-driven isolationism serves as both a protective barrier and a source of strength, allowing him to channel his innermost feelings onto the canvas without the influence of external art movements or trends.
This approach has helped him maintain the distinctiveness of his art; it has also come at a price. He has missed out on the communal aspects of the art world, such as networking, collaboration, and exposure to diverse artistic perspectives. However, for him, the trade-off is justified by the ability to create art that is undiluted.
Shubham carries within him a depth of life encounters that have shaped both his art and his character. At the tender age of nineteen, he embarked on a transformative journey into the Himalayas, leaving behind his former life and conventional expectations. The profound experiences he gained during those formative years left an indelible mark on him, infusing his artwork with vivid colors and a multidimensional perspective. This remarkable journey and its lasting impact on his art has set him apart as a unique and introspective artist.
It was during this period that he sought solitude, introspection, and a deeper understanding of the self. His time in the Himalayas exposed him to the breathtaking landscapes, the serene stillness of nature, and the profound spiritual depth of the region. These experiences became a wellspring of inspiration that he would draw upon for years to come.
Shubham Malav’s artistic exploration extends beyond traditional two-dimensional canvases. He has ventured into the realm of three-dimensional art, adding yet another layer to his body of work. This multidimensional approach showcases his versatility and willingness to experiment with different mediums and forms, further demonstrating his commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
The power of spontaneity allows his emotions and instincts to guide his brush strokes. This unscripted approach to art allows him to capture the raw essence of his feelings in the moment, resulting in compositions that feel alive and immediate. In his work, viewers can perceive the genuine expressions of the artist’s psyche.
The multilayered nature of Shubham Malav’s art is similar to peeling back the layers of the human soul. Just as emotions are rarely one-dimensional, his paintings often contain hidden depths and concealed meanings. This multilayered approach invites viewers to engage deeply with his art, encouraging them to discover new facets of meaning with each viewing.
His paintings are windows into his inner world, offering viewers a glimpse of the deep feelings that inspire his work. Whether it’s the weight of sorrow, the explosion of joy, or the tranquility of solitude, his pieces resonate on a deeply emotional level, forging a connection between the artist and the observer.
One of the fascinating aspects of Malav’s multilayered art is the multitude of interpretations it invites. Each layer, stroke, and texture in his paintings can be seen as a metaphor for the complexity of the human experience. Viewers are encouraged to bring their own emotions, experiences, and perspectives to his work, resulting in a highly personalized and immersive artistic encounter.
Shubham Malav is preparing for a mesmerizing showcase of his paintings at Alliance Française in Delhi this December. The exhibition, meticulously organized and curated by the passionate curator, art promoter and Gallerist Jitendra Padam Jain of Gallery Sree Arts, promises to be a transformative experience for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. This forthcoming event represents a convergence of artistic passion and curatorial expertise, where Shubham Malav’s compelling artworks will take center stage.
Jitendra Padam Jain, the creative mind behind Gallery Sree Arts, has earned recognition for his ability to curate exhibitions that push the boundaries of traditional art showcases. I am sure the emotionally stimulating nature of Malav’s creations in two as well as three dimension coupled with Jain’s meticulous curation will create a dynamic synergy that will surely transport visitors into the depths of human sentiment. Jain’s discerning eye for contemporary art and his personal involvement has played a pivotal role in meticulously selecting and arranging every single exhibit for this show. I wish them the best and look forward to seeing the consequence of this collaboration.
Seema Pandey
Artist, Art educationist and Art Critic