Artist in conversation: Shalini Komagan
“Emotions is the backbone of how and why I create my art. In the intricate interplay of funkiness, grim aesthetics, and grunge influences that define my art, my aim is to unearth and celebrate the innate”
Join us in celebrating Shalini Komagan, an extraordinary artist whose heart beats in harmony with the rhythms of music and creativity. At 26, Shalini has rekindled her passion for art, transforming melodies into mesmerizing visual experiences. Her vibrant personality shines through every stroke of acrylic on canvas, each piece a testament to her journey through personal triumphs and challenges. Inspired by the legendary Alex Grey, Shalini is on a quest to explore the mystical world of psychedelic art, inviting us to view emotions through a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. Be part of Shalini’s adventure at the Holy Art Gallery, where her unique vision comes to life, encouraging us all to unveil our hidden vulnerabilities through art.
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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
This is the way that I communicate best by expressing my emotions through art, emotions that are told to be suppressed and hidden so art became an outlet to set my mind free. I believe that everyone is an artist in their own way and should channel it in some way, shape or form. I don’t have a definite or consistent style at the moment but the elements that I love to incorporate the combination of vortex like view, different types of skulls and eyeballs. Eyeballs especially is something that I have been drawing since I was a little kid, that I was very drawn into for some reason. I view this as my spirit guides or intuition in my paintings.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
The theme and motif of my artwork revolve around the concept of a vortex matrix, where the main elements or entities are the focal point, often positioned at the center or in dynamic motion towards something. This abstract motif creates a captivating visual experience, drawing viewers into a realm that's both grim and beautiful, much like the intricacies of life itself. I'm particularly fascinated by the juxtaposition of vibrant colors within this vortex, aiming to evoke immediate captivation. It's my way of inviting observers to engage with the artwork sparking curiosity and contemplation. In essence, my art is a mesh-up of contrasting elements, offering a unique perspective on the complexities and beauty inherent in our existence.
How does music influence and guide your creative process?
Music has been a part of my journey since I was 5 years old, profoundly influenced by Michael Jackson. To this day, I strive to shape my decisions based on the values he imparts — love, abundance, and self-expression. When I resonate with the lyrics and feel the melodic progression deep in my soul, specific colors come to mind. Sometimes, it's not an immediate response; it might take a while to process, depending on the song. This process determines the placement of the main entity and the direction it should lead. I typically sketch my envisioned creation, incorporating guidance from various elements like Pinterest, graffiti, and movie color ranges. When I am calm or in a meditative state, a vision will pop up and I try to see if that resonates with the music and its lyrics.
Could you share your thoughts on the significance of the chosen mediums in expressing your artistic vision, and what kind of experimentation do you foresee with mixed media?
I've been primarily using acrylic painting, finding it the most comfortable medium for my expression. However, I plan to delve into experimentation by incorporating jewelry pieces into my art. I'm drawn to a grungy aesthetic, and since I have an interest in jewelry making and design, I envision my artwork reflecting this essence. I see myself and my love for wearing jewelry reflected in my art, almost as if the elements in my creations are "wearing jewelry" too. In this phase, I also intend to explore other types of canvases.
Can you share a specific piece of artwork that holds special significance to you?
Yes, this would be the "Unbinding the Mind" piece. Secretly, I have been keeping this older piece; not this one, as this is the recreated version from two years ago. At that point in my life, I was starting to look inward and had very few emotional support groups or people I could trust, experiencing emotional warfare almost daily. I had no space to express myself as a human, and I always returned to music as my solace. "Parabola" by Tool spoke to me, especially the lyrics: “This holy experience, choosing to be here in. This body, this body holding me. Be my reminder here that I am not alone in. Feeling eternal, all this pain is an illusion.” I felt helpless, but I wanted to draw. It took me two hours to calm myself and draw this piece at that time. Initially, I was upset about why the piece looked so noisy, but it reflected my state of mind after being constantly emotionally suppressed in a cage. I felt liberated. So, this piece was the one that moved me and unlocked my journey back into painting.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I am new in this journey as an emerging artist I must say. As for now I see 2 types of criticism. One angle I have had people that didn’t like my art and might even say that I am having a mental illness just because certain times my art was a little grim, focused on to skulls. And another is criticism to improve my skills in the painting strokes or accuracy of drawing. However, art is very subjective, I respect and take what that I believe is needed and move forward. There’s always a line between converting useful criticism to improve my artwork and engulfing to those ones which you’ll end up morphing into the artist that is solely dependent on people’s opinion, which negates the very nature of an artist.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Thankfully I do have a circle of creative friends by my side who are painters and dancers; I dance too. I try to consciously mix around with the community uplifts my energy level. Creating requires tapping into my sacred energy, so I know I need to hone and protect where and to whom I pour my energy towards. I also include movements in my daily routine and ensure that I do either running or swimming daily. For pieces that require me to resurface dark emotions, I make peace with it and embrace it. I know that I need to use the emotions as a catalyst to fuel my work yet not let it to overpower; I am still in the learning stage. Lastly I try to make sure I set small goals and have healthy breaks or mini rewards as I was used to face burnt out a lot, which was the same pattern I carried when I was working.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your drawings?
Emotions is the backbone of how and why I create my art. In the intricate interplay of funkiness, grim aesthetics, and grunge influences that define my art, my aim is to unearth and celebrate the innate vulnerability inherent in human experience. Every element within my art holds significance, whether deliberately incorporated or born out of spontaneous expression, contributing to the narrative that unfolds throughout the completion of each piece. I want my art to serve as a mirror reflecting the spectrum of human emotions, encouraging observers to embrace the richness and complexity of their own vulnerabilities. Through this, I aspire to evoke a myriad of feelings and reactions, fostering a shared understanding and appreciation for the raw, unfiltered essence of our shared human experience.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am extremely ecstatic and honestly could not believe that my art was selected to be exhibited at such a prestigious gallery! I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to showcase my art from Malaysia and connect with diverse artists worldwide. This experience is unforgettable and holds great significance as I transition from being a Senior Sustainability Consultant to an emerging artist and creative life coach. It marks the beginning of my new journey.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
In the long run, I envision collaborating with musicians and jewelry artists on an international scale, drawing inspiration from music to infuse my acrylic paintings with a unique touch of jewelry elements. Recognizing the importance of a robust online presence, I am committed to refining and expanding my social media platforms to build a dedicated community around my art. My goal is for my creations to transcend cultural boundaries, offering a shared human experience that taps into our rawest emotions, invoking vulnerability. Simultaneously, I plan to hone my artistic skills by focusing on improving my drawing capabilities and perfecting color blending techniques. Actively participating in art events, workshops, and exhibitions will be a key part of my journey, allowing me to connect with fellow artists, share insights, and showcase my evolving body of work.