Artist of the day: Artist of the Day, May 31, 2024: Surabhi Gaikwad, an Indian born/Qatar emerging artist, painter (#2038)

I’m Surabhi Gaikwad—potentially, the first female artist from Qatar to have her art on the Moon. ( Two of my artworks ( Me and my plants V and Dream I ) are selected to be apart of 'Polaris' a time capsule , A space programme launched by Nasa which launches creative works of artists to the moon in four time capsules).

Although I was born and raised in Goa, India, I create my art in my studio in Doha. I’m currently based in Qatar.

Oil on Canvas is my medium of choice because I love that it can be layered and mixed freely. The richness and the depth of oil colors informs and assists my style seamlessly. In my work I use bright and bold contrasting colors to form varied patterns juxtaposed with the fluidity of natural shapes found in foliage and flowers. Occasionally, I work with oil pastels and watercolors.

India’s rich heritage of art, architecture and its diverse flora and fauna were my first inspirations. When I was Three years old, my mother bought a black board for me. I’m told I held a piece of chalk in each hand and drew two symmetrical ducks at the same time.

Apart from impressionist masters, nature, textiles, patterns, fashion and anything that captivates my attention inspires me. Perhaps it’s the long periods of sequestering due to lockdowns that have resulted in lush, green houseplants appearing as my favorite accessory in my recent works. I find painting the flora and fauna around me with its myriad complexities of colors, shapes and sizes calming. With climate change on the horizon, I can't help but include plants and their stunning variety in my work. In my own way, I hope to preserve their existence on my canvases.

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