“Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.” ~ Rene Magritte.
One could consider Shirley Mathew as an exceptionally talented individual. She started off as someone who was inclined towards theatre and drama and then decided take up art , Shirley soon got the opportunity to study in prestigious schools like the Escola Llotja, the institution where Picasso studied in his early years. Her solo show at Sublime Galleria is a stunning visual experience. Titled ‘Ode to Nature’ the show features works which are a juxtaposition of the abstract expressionist genre with a touch of uniqueness from the artist. Predominantly working in Mixed media, Shirley enables the subject to run the decision of palette and procedures. Her philosophy and motivation impact her audience with her incredible creative prowess and make a difference to their lives through her works.
On the onset, lot of her works resemble the oeuvres of the phenomenally talented artist, the late Elaine Dekooning, one of the foremost women artists of her generation to aggressively take part in the Abstract Expressionist Movement.
The application of colour, the vivid movement of the strokes echo the artworks of Elaine who was exceptional in her skill. Especially Shirley’s work titled ‘Ode to Nature’ and ‘Being in Nature’ are impressive. In the regular world, Shirley sees tonnes of green with concealed profundities, hidden depths and numerous tints of hues that don’t conform to the traditional artist colour wheel. The rendition of a feeling, emotion or a part of the reasoning of life, decides her brush strokes, procedures, medium or decision of shading palette, in the process trying to convey what needs be on the surface of the canvas. Through her artworks, Shirley is attempting to associate with individuals and to contact a typical deep sense of being. The desire is to catch those emotions on her canvas and to endeavour to make a visual tribute of joy which shall be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Her oeuvres are a stark reminder for us to preserve and administer to a greener planet. Shirley Mathew, opines: “ Being born and brought up in Delhi, I was always inclined towards architectural forms, celebrating growth of cities. As days passed by concerns of urbanisation gripped me and being a spiritual person, I travelled to Bylakuppe when I got a call for the show and lot of the inspiration for the new works were drawn from the spiritual bliss of Bylakuppe and Nature overall.”
Shirley has conducted workshops for underprivileged children to raise funds and with professionals in the corporate world to introduce art as therapy. The show is on at Sublime Galleria until 6th March.
