Savya Jain is a Delhi-based artist who captures her ephemeral feelings on a canvas for eternity. Artiste Culture had the privilege of meeting Savya and discovering her journey as an artist and how her artworks are aimed at making a positive impact on the world.
Can you please tell us about your childhood and your artistic journey?
I was one year old when I dipped my hand in a box of paint and come to my mother's room and paint all the walls or sketched on them. Luckily, my parents never got upset with that and instead encouraged me.
My mother hired a tutor to teach me how to paint, but I was unable to handle it since I wanted to go my own way. I decided to major in art. I've been painting ever since, creating enormous artwork, and I studied interior architecture at Pearl Academy. I had no intention of pursuing art professionally at the time. I've always imagined that because I enjoy architecture, I'll someday work in that industry. I discovered my affinity for art during my internship with a company. I, therefore, joined my father's company as a design head after returning from my internship. I still felt unfinished. It's been two and a half years since I quit everything to pursue painting when I reached my breaking point.
2. So, could you describe your work in your own words?
I constantly claim that my surroundings and travels are the only sources of inspiration for my paintings, but then I start to think that it might be much more than that. My art, I believe, is quite contemporary. The colours and brushstrokes will reflect my mood, and my travels have undoubtedly influenced me. Given how much I enjoy travelling, I would say my travels have had a significant influence on the colour scheme.
However, what I actually experience at that very moment is probably an infinitesimal feeling, or occasionally even a feeling of smallness brought on by my travel. So that's what my art, in my opinion, is all about.
3. All your works follow a certain uniform technique of designs, brush strokes and textures, how did you establish this technique? Were there any other techniques that you were experimenting with?
Absolutely. Since the advent of social media, it has been crazy in all of these areas, right? Everyone tries it when it becomes popular. I experimented with pour painting, gradient art, and various mixed media. I tried Jackson Pollock-style painting and read about Willem de Kooning and Barrett Newman. I also experimented with creating incredibly symmetrical forms and people, which let me realise that it's not something I enjoy doing. I sought to produce limitless language.
I did try a lot of different methods and discarded a few. The approach I use most frequently was something I independently discovered. One day when I was adding textures to my work and doing other things, I realised how much I was enjoying it and how it felt in my hands. I had a strong sense that this was my calling and what I should pursue.
4. Can you describe how your debut show cultivated your path ahead?
I contacted the curator, Mr. Jitendar Jain, for my first show, "Yes, no and Maybe," and he urged me to put on a solo exhibition. He once paid a visit to my studio, and I recall telling him I was having trouble getting 40 pieces of art ready. Since it was my first show, he encouraged me to try new things, so I was impatient and worked on four canvases at once.
The three-day expo took place at Delhi's Alliance de France. We had a footfall of 250 to 300 individuals who adored my work, making it an exciting experience. Despite the fact that I was a novice artist, they recognised my promise and bought some of my pieces. A major turning point for me was this.
Since then, I've participated in numerous shows simply to display my artwork. I got to meet a lot of individuals through networking and went to the events they organised. Since the first concert only gave me additional possibilities, I knew there would be more to come.
5. Where do you see yourself in future as an artist?
We have a system for sending a biodata that includes your height, weight, and complexion regarding marriage, which I find degrading. In my case, the process has been draining and demoralising. Therefore, this is a subject that I would really like to discuss through my artwork. This is awful, and it has to stop.
I also see myself wanting to use my art to aid and understand different women. I'm not sure how that will take place. I'm confident that my path will lead to a point where I can admit to others that even I am experiencing these emotions.
By holding an art exhibition overseas, particularly in New York, I also perceive myself on a global scale. I envision myself receiving a gallery's endorsement or, ideally, starting my own gallery. I am aware that these are my plans. These are the objectives I've outlined. Hopefully, there will be a personal one in the future.