artist statement
Born and raised in Jaipur, Pankhuri currently lives and works in London since 2015.
A self- taught artiste who mainly uses intuitive art as an effective antidote to her career as a human rights lawyer which includes working within the refugee and migrant rights landscape in the UK with a special focus on gender-based violence and women’s rights.
In her artistic work as a painter, Pankhuri works with acrylic on canvas in a way that consciously breaks away from concrete shapes and patterns so as to not cater to ideals of perfectionist form and shape and follows her intuition to guide her creations.
Pankhuri is passionate about making art accessible to everyone and is interested in using her pieces of art as tools for conversations and empowerment and inspiring embodied creativity.
Education
-2015 LLM in Human rights ,conflict and justice,SOAS University of London
-2009-2014 BA LLB (Hons) at WestBengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
-1997-2009 Maharani Gayatri DeviGirls Public School, Jaipur
-The Outsiders, New Outdoor Creativity, Gestalten, 2019
-Travelust Magazine, The Adventure Issue, Spring, 2018
-Wanderer Magazine, Issue 16, 2017
-Far & Wild Magazine, The Summer Issue 2014
Solo exhibitions
· 2024 Walthamstow Art Trail atPillars Brewery, Ravenswood Collective, London
· 2018 Kintsugi: an interactive exhibition to raise awareness and start conversations around mental health among young women in Jaipur at Café Quaint, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur
Group exhibition
· 2018 Maharani Gayatri Devi Diamond Jubilee alumni exhibition at Samanvay Art gallery, Jaipur
Retreat
· 2023 V&A East Reconnect Retreat
proposal title:
"Trusting our inner compass"
artist: Pankhuri Mehndiratta
workshop overview:
‘Trusting our inner compass’: An Intuitive Art Workshop" is designed to unlock the creative potential within each participant by tapping into their intuitive and subconscious mind.
This workshop provides a trauma-informed and supportive environment where individuals can explore self-expression through various art mediums without the constraints of conventional techniques or preconceived ideas and gain some insight into the artiste’s process with a view to developing their own.
By focusing on their internal process rather than the end product, participants will experience the joy and freedom of creating art that is deeply personal and unique by responding to the canvas as both artist and viewer. This is unique two-part process is personal to the artiste and has been utilised to create the works that are submitted as part of this proposal which are intended to serve as conversation pieces to the workshop.
The main priority of the artiste is to conduct the workshop and engage groups of people who do not conventionally think of themselves as artists or their intended audience.
Objectives of workshop:
-To foster a non-judgmental and open space for artistic exploration.
-To encourage participants to connect with their inner selves and express their emotions and thoughts through art similar to the artiste’s own process.
-To introduce various intuitive art techniques including painting, drawing, collage, and mixed media.
-To promote mindfulness and stress relief through creative activities and empower participants to embody and own their creativity.
Workshop Structure:
Session 1: Introduction to Intuitive Art
-Welcome and introductions
-Discussion on the concept and benefits of intuitive art
-Warm-up exercises to loosen up and start the creative flow
Session 2: Exploring Mediums and Techniques
-Demonstration of various intuitive art techniques
-Hands-on practice with different mediums (paints, mixing mediums and various techniques)
-Group sharing and reflection
Session 3: Deepening the Creative Process
-Guided meditation or visualization to inspire creativity
-Individual and group exercises focusing on personal themes and experiences
-One-on-one guidance and support
Session 4: Creating a Personal Masterpiece
-Participants work on a larger, more comprehensive piece
-Emphasis on the creative journey and personal expression
-Group critique and positive feedback session
Session 5: Reflection and Exhibition
-Final touches on artwork
-Group discussion on the experience and personal growth
-Informal exhibition of participants’ work along with the artiste’s work.
Materials Needed:
-Canvas, paper, and sketchbooks
-Acrylic and watercolour paints
-Brushes and painting tools
-Pastels, markers, and pens
-Tables
-Canvases
-Meditative music and incense for ambiance
Target Audience:
This workshop is open to individuals of 14 years and above. Individuals of all skill levels who are interested in exploring intuitive art are welcome. No prior artistic experience is necessary, just an open mind and a willingness to experiment and have fun.
Venue Requirements:
It would be interesting to place artworks in venues that are more traditional with the aim for this contradictory juxtaposition strikes a conversation about new and old/modern and ancient (which rings true in a small yet cosmopolitan city like Jaipur) but as long as the following requirements are met for the workshop, I am open to suggestions re venues.
-Spacious room with natural light
-Tables and chairs for participants
-Access to water and sink for clean-up
-Quiet and calming environment
Duration:
The workshop can be structured as a half day (4 hours) or full day,depending on the needs and availability of the participants and venues.
conclusion
"Trusting our inner compass: An Intuitive Art Workshop" offers a unique opportunity for individuals to explore their creativity in a supportive and nurturing environment. By engaging in intuitive art practices, participants will not only create meaningful artwork but also gain insights into their inner worlds, leading to personal growth and transformative conversations.Thank you for considering this proposal. I am excited about the possibility of facilitating this enriching experience and look forward to your positive response.