Abstract landscapes by Indian artist showcased at US gallery

Indian art has been a talking point across the globe for ages and contemporary Indian artists are keeping the flag flying by unleashing loads of creativity on their canvases.
One such Indian artist to join the ranks is Meena Kamal whose expressionism in abstract landscapes have been described by art critics as a new genre.
"I am inspired by my aerial photography during my travels. My landscapes are an evolution for hope and progress in this era of catastrophic environmental changes, socio-political, geographical and economic turmoil in our world," says Kamal.
The artist has participated in exhibitions in Berlin, Paris, New York, Berkeley, Basel (Switzerland) and San Francisco.

Annette Schutz and James Bacchi, owners of ArtHaus, a famed gallery in San Francisco, US, who exhibited her recent works say, "There is a seductive quality to her work that gently leads the viewer into a meditative state of bliss. That in itself is quite something."
Bacchi and Schutz say there is newness in Kamal's approach to the abstract landscape genre. Her aerial perspective of the landscape, use of colour, texture and exquisite composition lulls the viewer into a place of calm and curious exploration.

Kamal's recent exhibition of artworks in oil on linen and canvas titled 'Out of the Blue' began at ArtHaus in January this year and went on till the end of March.

The artist who is currently visitng New Delhi says, "I am
influenced by the work of Richard Diebenkorn, though my works are more organic and tactile. I am inspired by the spontaneity of Jackson Pollock and references to Van Gogh's power to transfer mystical imagination and journey of experiences, onto my surfaces."
Kamal departs from more traditional landscapes, especially with regard to her aerial perspectives and use of her heightened palettes.
Talking about her past exhibitions in New York, Paris, Milan, Basel, Dubai and Berlin, Kamal says that her art collectors and admirers have always found a meditative bliss in her work and found themselves engrossed spiritually into her landscapes.

The artist is reluctant to name the collectors of her works, but adds with a sense of pride that renowned art critic Jerry Saltz has endorsed her work.
"My work is intuitive. If something has affected me deeply, I decide to bring it to life on the canvas. The brush strokes conspire to compose and the level of abstraction depends on the level of intuition."
Khalil Abdulwahid Hasan, Arts Manager of Dubai Art and Culture Authority, says, "Her work is captivating and there is always a spirituality in her representation which a viewer can visually latch on to.
"And once you allow yourself to delve into these layers of colours and textures you will find your bliss. We are looking forward to her exhibition later this year at Dubai Expo 2020."

Before pursuing her passion of art, Kamal practiced law and completed her LLM from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in California in the US.
To pursue art, that she has been passionate ever since she was awarded prize for an inter-school competition at the age of 12, Kamal enrolled in a MFA program, at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.