Purvi Shah

Artist Statement:

I grew up in an extremely competitive country that shaped my understanding of self-worth through the lens of achievement and conformity. From a young age, praise was reserved for those who excelled academically, and good grades became synonymous with being a "good kid." I was always the creative child and wanted to continue in the field but one was successful only if they chose the career path to be a Doctor or an Engineer. This environment instilled a relentless drive for perfection in me and I internalized the belief that love and value both would come only once this predetermined definition of success was achieved. It wasn't just about being smart or talented or pursuing your passion; it was about fitting a mold that felt increasingly restrictive over time.

I denied that I wanted to be an artist my entire life, convinced that pursuing engineering and management was the path I was meant to follow. I earned accolades, climbed the corporate ladder working in Wall Street, and built a career that many would want. Yet, despite the outward success, a part of me remained unfulfilled. 

The pivotal moment came in 2021 when I lost my mother. Her passing shattered my reality and forced me to confront my reality that I had to live and own my truth and how important it is to embrace one's true passions. In the wake of that loss, I found myself reflecting on what truly mattered. I poured my feelings into creating art to express the complexities of grief, love, and longing. It soon became a refuge—a way to process my emotions and connect with a deeper sense of purpose.

In 2023 I decided to pursue art full-time and this step was not about abandoning my past. It was an evolution, an ownership of my authentic self. Each piece I create tells a story, not just of my personal journey, but also of the universal themes that bind us all. In choosing to follow this path, I’ve given voice to my lived experiences while honoring my mother's memory. My art is now a testament to resilience and the belief that it is never too late to pursue what truly brings joy to the soul and to own your own narratives of life. Submitted piece is from my upcoming collection “ILLUSION THAT WE CALL ‘PERFECTION’”. 

Artist Bio:

Purvi is a visual artist and writer who loves to work with different materials. She takes is immensely inspired by the ethereal beauty found in nature as she weaves the narrative of audacity and anti-fragility into her paintings. She loves to infuse texture and vibrant colors onto the canvas but with a whimsical and abstract twist that is uniquely her own.

Purvi's artistic journey began in her childhood - she was nurtured by her parents, who were creatives by hobby. Their influence, combined with her love for colors, shaped her into the artist she is today. Despite pursuing degrees in Engineering and Management and a successful career on Wall Street, she realized in 2023 that her true calling was in the arts.

Purvi’s paintings are not just visual experiences but transformative journeys. Through her mixed-media approach, she invites viewers to navigate their own path to self-discovery, urging them to reflect on their inner struggles and triumphs. The layers in her work symbolize the complexities of life, encouraging introspection as one examines how they see themselves mirrored in the colors and forms. By engaging with her art, viewers may find inspiration to embrace their own narratives of strength and vulnerability, fostering a deeper connection to both the artwork and themselves.