Inspiration from Life and Art

My inspiration often comes from personal experiences and events in my life. Places I've been and moments I've lived through trigger ideas that develop into my paintings. I consider my work quite autobiographical in that sense.

I'm deeply inspired by artists like William Blake, Francis Bacon, and Mark Rothko. Their use of colour fields and empty spaces resonates with my approach to creating meditative and contemplative artworks. William Blake's spiritual content, in particular, has a profound influence on me. Even in his time, he wasn't fully appreciated, but today he inspires so many artists, including myself.

Lost in Lockdown © Shanti Panchal

London's Museums and Galleries

One of the wonderful aspects of living in London is access to its incredible museums and galleries. When I first arrived from Mumbai on a British Council scholarship, the museums became my art school. While I was enrolled at the Byam Shaw School of Art, I learned immensely from frequent visits to these cultural institutions.

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

The V&A is one of the greatest museums, housing an extensive collection of art and design from around the world. I'm honoured that they have two of my paintings on display in the South Asia Gallery. They've rehung the galleries to create a dialogue between the old and the new, placing my work alongside Jain miniatures—the very art form that initially inspired me in India.

British Museum

The British Museum offers a vast collection that spans continents and eras. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in history and art, learning from the myriad artifacts on display.

Tate Britain and Tate Modern

Both Tate Britain and Tate Modern are like temples of art. At Tate Modern, Mark Rothko's works have a profound impact on me. I first encountered a room dedicated to his paintings at the Metropolitan Museum in New York, and I was captivated by his use of colour and space. His work reinforces the power of simplicity and depth in art.

Brexit © Shanti Panchal

Exhibitions and Galleries

National Portrait Gallery

I highly recommend visiting the National Portrait Gallery, especially the BP Portrait Award Exhibition, now Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award. I was shortlisted for this award three times in the past. The exhibition presents challenging and innovative ways of looking at portraiture, which can be very inspiring for students.

Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy often hosts intriguing exhibitions worth exploring. It's a place where historical and contemporary works come together, offering diverse perspectives.

Courtauld Institute of Art

The Courtauld Institute has an amazing collection that includes Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. It's a beautiful place to study art closely and draw inspiration from.

The Deck © Shanti Panchal

Books and Artistic Influences

Books are a crucial source of inspiration for me. I often refer to them when I need to revisit the works of artists I admire or to delve into different art forms.

William Blake's work is truly beautiful and carries a spiritual depth that resonates with me. Books on Blake offer insights into his visionary artistry. Reading about Mark Rothko enhances understanding of his meditative approach to color and space. I have several books on Indian miniatures, which I find deeply inspiring. They connect me to my roots and the rich artistic heritage of India. The works of the Pre-Raphaelites are also a source of fascination. Their attention to detail and vibrant use of color are remarkable.

Rescued Elephants Marching © Shanti Panchal

Final Thoughts

For any student, visiting these museums and galleries in London is incredibly inspirational. Immerse yourselves in the rich artistic offerings around you. There's so much to learn from both the old masters and contemporary artists. Keep an open mind, and let your personal experiences guide your creativity.

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