ARTIST
Shilo Shiv Suleman: Weaving Dreams, Art, and Magic into Contemporary Indian Art
In the realm of contemporary Indian art, where creativity meets innovation, Shilo Shiv Suleman stands as a luminous example of an artist who has carved her unique path while honouring her heritage and inspirations. With an innate passion for artistic expression and a determination to create a distinct identity, Shilo Shiv Suleman’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative potential of art.
Nurturing Individuality amidst Artistic Legacy:
Born into a family immersed in the world of art, Shilo Shiv Suleman embraced her creative inclinations from a tender age. Raised amidst the works of her renowned mother, artist Nilofer Suleman, Shilo embarked on her artistic voyage at the age of 13. While her mother focused on intricate miniature art and documenting Indian culture, Shilo discovered her own artistic voice, determined to forge her path while upholding her mother’s artistic legacy.
Describing her relationship with her mother as “spectacular,” Shilo reflects on the unique bond they share. “Niloufer and I actually have the best sort of friendship,” she shares. This bond, shaped by shared artistic pursuits and spirited debates, served as a foundation for their collaborative exhibitions and a shared passion for bringing their creations to life.
A Journey of Imagination and Technological Marvels:
Shilo Shiv Suleman’s artistic journey is a fusion of dreamy imagination and cutting-edge technology. Enchanted by tales of artists like Frida Kahlo and Raja Ravi Varma, Shilo’s affinity for painting blossomed naturally. Her art, characterized by feminine sensibilities, utopian vistas, and a touch of magical realism, seeks to inspire awe and wonder. Her artwork delves into the realm of social change and technology, weaving narratives that intertwine the human body with art.
In recent years, Shilo’s art has embraced biofeedback technology, resulting in awe-inspiring large-scale installations that pulsate in rhythm with heartbeats, applications that respond to brainwaves, and sculptures that radiate with the essence of breath. One remarkable collaboration saw Shilo join forces with Johnnie Walker Black Label, creating limited-edition bottles using Air-Ink technology to transform pollution into ink, portraying her vision of Delhi.
The Ethereal Vision of Delhi Through Shilo’s Eyes:
Shilo’s collaboration with Johnnie Walker Black Label led her to create a visual ode to Delhi. Capturing the essence of the city’s diversity and romance, her illustration features women donning various attires, embodying the spirit of Delhi’s rich cultural heritage. The use of Air-Ink, a technology that turns pollution into a medium for artistic expression, holds deep symbolism for Shilo.
A Living Dream:
For Shilo Shiv Suleman, being an artist is not a choice; it’s a way of life. Her artistic journey is a symphony of embracing the beauty in the ordinary, harnessing technology to create wonder, and infusing her work with a distinct feminine essence. Her dream is a living reality, embodied in her studio nestled within the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur and a future vision of an art haven within a Balinese water temple.
As Shilo continues to blur the boundaries between imagination and reality, she carries the torch of creativity, innovation, and empowerment. Her art reminds us that within the strokes of a brush and the rhythms of technology lies the power to redefine the world, inspire change, and weave dreams that transcend the boundaries of time and space.
In Shilo Shiv Suleman’s captivating journey, art isn’t just a medium; it’s a magic carpet that transports us to realms where imagination reigns supreme, and possibilities are boundless.