Artist of the Month: Tarini Agarwal

I had a fabulous opportunity to meet Tarini Agarwal, a prominent artist in Oman, during the Affordable art show that was recently held here in Muscat. I was instantly attracted to the paintings that were displayed at the exhibition because I loved the different textures of colours she used.  Tarini, as an artist and her work captures your imagination and takes you on a journey. She started her art journey from realism and lately she has ventured into abstract. And I found that each painting of hers evoked emotions and gave me power as a viewer to interpret meaning of her art in my own way.  Her art is a celebration of calming and soothing colours. And you will also notice as a viewer that most of her work is inspired by the beauty of Oman. She has showcased her work in different group exhibitions and solo exhibitions. Her art work has also raised money for charity for many occasions.

Let’s her hear more from Tarini and learn about her art journey and have a look at her brilliant work...

A brief about yourself

I have grown up in the midst of Modern Indian Art in Mumbai. As a nine year old I spent my Saturday mornings, walking to Jahangir Art Gallery, Mumbai and seeing master artists painting. 

      Growing up I chose academics over art for various and obvious reasons. I’m glad for that, as it has shaped my personality and made me who I am.  Art has been a consistent part of my life because it brings joy and so I have followed art passionately.

How did your journey as an artist begin?

I have always drawn and doodled from a very young age. I could never have paper around me on which I did not compulsively draw on. I had art in the many schools I studied. Then as a preprimary teacher I had ample opportunities to draw and paint and hone my creativity.

Did you have any formal training or is it self-taught?

I have not had any formal training in art, I’m self-taught. I created a curriculum and followed it for 5 years. My skills I have enhanced with online learning from all over the world.

How would you describe your art style?

In the early years I worked towards Realism and like all aspiring artists my roots are there. Only to discover to my horror that working realistically did not bring me joy and satisfaction. I felt creatively unchallenged. I moved towards expressive art and now towards abstraction.

What's your inspiration for your art work?

The main subject of my art is always my emotional response to people, face, landscape and culture around me.

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

I always start intuitively; my process is not mapped out. So I never know how I will finish. For me this is the most challenging part of my work. It is challenging but it is also the most exciting part of my work.

What is your creative process like? And what keeps you motivated?

As I work intuitively, it is always a response to what I have put down on the canvas. The best way to describe my process is that of working and erasing and unearthing my paintings. It is the process of unearthing is what keeps me motivated. One of the skills I developed as a teacher has been that I’m not the focal point of the learning and teaching process, I’m just a catalyst and it is this very learning that helps me in my creative process. The onus is not on me the artist but on the painting. I use the paintings to guide me to its logical conclusion, so staying motivated isn’t difficult. I also believe that simple discipline of daily practice keep me motivated and on the path. I have a time limit of 15 – 30 minutes daily drawings that fits into my life as a wife, mother and daughter. It’s amazing how much one can do in this time frame.

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

I have done a few commissions. Luckily for me my collectors gave me a long leash to finish my work. With my process being what it is, it can be difficult to do traditional commissions. I have had people buy at group and my solo exhibitions. I have also sold a few pieces online.

What is your favorite art piece that you have done till date?

That is a difficult one to answer. I don’t see them as my favorites but to answer your question I could say, there are a few paintings that have been the turning points in my learning and growth. The study I did of the famous ‘Afghan Girl’, it was this painting where I realized that Realism did not satisfy my creativity. ‘Thames meets Oman’ and ‘Crossings’ were the paintings where I discovered my confidence.

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.

Keep your process simple, try and work every day. Get in there and do your thing. Don’t paint to sell, paint because it is your calling and the rest will follow.

Here are two of Tarini's beautiful art work:

Name of the Art piece: Thames meets Oman

Tarini  explains what "Thames meets Oman" means to her

"This painting is an outcome of very artist's dream, I was at a workshop that happened which was a result of my indulgent husband gifting me a live workshop with my online teacher Pauline Agnew. I reached London in a studio overlooking the river Thames. It was a very cold rainy few days. This painting is my response to my environment. This is a painting that painting which can be counted as a personal gain painting. It is a turning point for me. I learnt many things while and after painting this work. I gained my confidence and learnt to trust my intuition. I learnt shut the sounds of internal and external criticism. Both are detrimental to the creative process."

Name of the art piece: Sincere

Tarini explains about her art piece "Sincere"

"The sea has always been near me all of my life. I feel very connected to it and this is what I feel when I'm near it. I love to work with blues and here I have painted my emotional response to the sea."

Thank you Tarini for sharing your art journey and your inspiration with me and my readers. Looking forward to viewing more of your brilliant work in the upcoming exhibitions!! 

For those who wish to follow her work and for updates, please click here to access her page on Instagram.