In Conversation with artist Shan Re

Please tell us in detail about your upcoming show in Italy?

My upcoming exhibition in Italy, Sacred Stillness – Earth and Light, is rooted in the Franciscan philosophy of interconnectedness, expressed through an abstract visual language. Presenting this collection at Villa Fidelia during the 800th anniversary of the Franciscan tradition is a profound honour. St. Francis of Assisi believed that humanity, nature, and spirit are not separate, but expressions of the same living whole. His vision reminds us that everything is connected, and that true harmony begins when we recognize this unity.

To me, St. Francis embodies a spirit that echoes the Buddha—a life of simplicity, compassion, inner awareness, and deep reverence for all living beings. Though they belonged to different cultures and traditions, both revealed the same timeless truth: that every life is woven into the fabric of every other life. This understanding has always been at the heart of my work.

I do not paint nature—I paint our relationship with it. My paintings are attempts to give form to what cannot be seen: the invisible currents of emotion, energy, memory, and consciousness that flow through me and connects me to the world . Through layered textures, organic forms, and earth-inspired colours, I create inner landscapes where humanity and nature quietly merge into one. Colour is the silent language through which I tell these stories. It carries emotion beyond words, while touches of gold speak of transformation, resilience, and the quiet light that emerges through experience.

Because my work remains abstract, it never offers a single answer. Instead, it invites contemplation, allowing every viewer to discover a personal meaning. My hope is that these paintings become more than objects to be viewed—they become spaces to pause, to reflect, and to rediscover our shared connection with one another, with nature, and with ourselves. In a world that often celebrates division, this exhibition is my quiet reminder that beneath all differences, we belong to the same living whole.

Which collection are you going to showcase in this show?

I am presenting my abstract works. My work represents the Visual narratives that celebrate the complexity of life. Colour is the vital force that carries emotion, intuition, and the unseen rhythms of life into each painting. I believe every painting carries an untold story. My abstract works are an invitation rather than an explanation. I stand as an artistic warrior, transforming blank canvases into arenas of beauty and silent moments into symphonies of inspiration. My paintings become open spaces for reflection, where each viewer discovers a meaning that is uniquely their own.

That is the beauty of abstraction: No two people see the same painting in the same way, yet every interpretation is equally valid. Currently I am working on a large monumental canvases for an ultra luxury space. When I stand  before a monumental blank canvas, I enter a state of deep receptivity, absorbing emotional currents, unseen frequencies, and the subtle intelligence that underlines all  existence. Through instinctive movement, layered textures, and luminous colour, these intangible forces are transformed into physical presence. Every gesture is an energetic release; every surface holds the resonance of accumulated experience.

What is your inspiration for this upcoming show and collection that you plan to showcase?

I don’t seek inspiration because I don’t believe it exists somewhere outside of us, waiting to be found. To me, inspiration is a state of awareness. It is present in every heartbeat, every breath, and every ordinary moment when we are fully alive. Creativity is not something I pursue—it is simply the way I experience the world. My role as an artist is to become quiet enough to receive what wants to emerge. I rarely begin with a fixed idea or predetermined outcome. Instead, I trust intuition completely, allowing each painting to unfold in its own time. The work often reveals its meaning long before I can explain it. I see myself less as someone who creates a painting and more as someone who uncovers what is already waiting to be seen.

My paintings explore the invisible—those subtle emotional and spiritual currents that connect us with one another and with the natural world. Rather than offering answers, they create a space where each viewer can bring their own experiences, memories, and emotions into the work.

A near-death experience profoundly changed my understanding of both life and art. It stripped away everything that was inessential and taught me that authenticity is our greatest strength. Since then, every painting becomes an act of presence—an invitation to pause, to reflect, and to rediscover the quiet wholeness that already exists within me.

What is your advice to upcoming artists?

My advice to emerging artists is to master both your art and your career. Creating meaningful work is only one part of the journey. You also need discipline, consistency, resilience, and the willingness to learn about marketing, networking, and the business of art. Talent alone is rarely enough. Exceptional work can remain unseen if it isn’t presented to the right audience. Learn how to communicate your vision, build genuine relationships, and position your work thoughtfully, both in physical spaces and on digital platforms.

At the same time, don’t let trends define your voice. Markets change, but authenticity has lasting value. Create work that is true to who you are, while remaining open to learning and evolving. The art world is highly competitive. There are far more artists than collectors, so rejection is part of the journey, not a measure of your worth. Success rarely happens overnight. It is built through patience, persistence, and showing up, year after year.

Above all, remember that art is more than a commodity. Its true value lies in its ability to move people, create connection, and leave a lasting emotional imprint. If you remain committed to your vision and continue to grow, opportunities will follow.

Art should nourish your soul, but your career must also sustain your life. Build multiple streams of income so your creativity is guided by vision, not by financial pressure.

How do you market your paintings in India?

I don’t wait for opportunities—I create them. Early in my career in the year 2009, I held an exhibition where none of the paintings had price tags. It sparked curiosity, conversations, and media attention. The exhibition became a huge success because people first engaged with the art, rather than its price.

Since then, I’ve always believed that marketing is about creating meaningful experiences and genuine connections. I stay focused on my vision, build relationships with the right people and keep presenting my work in the right spaces. Irrespective of challenges or setbacks, I continue moving forward with consistency and purpose. For me, marketing  is about creating experiences that people remember. My power isn’t born from fearlessness – it grows in the moments when fear fills my lungs but I choose to breathe and move forward anyway, turning my weakness into wings !

How is working with Italians different as compared to working with Indian gallerists?

My experience with the Italian art community has been deeply rewarding. It is a great honour to represent India for the third consecutive time on such a prestigious international platform, where one artist from each of nearly thirty countries comes together in a celebration of global artistic dialogue.

What has touched me most is the openness with which my work has been received. The emotional and philosophical depth of my paintings has resonated strongly, leading to thoughtful conversations that go beyond aesthetics. I have found the Italian art community to be deeply respectful of artistic individuality, encouraging meaningful dialogue and genuine cultural exchange. As an abstract artist, I find that openness very inspiring.

While Indian galleries are growing rapidly and the contemporary art scene is becoming increasingly vibrant, working with an Italian gallery has given me the opportunity to engage with a culture where art has been woven into everyday life for centuries. It is an enriching experience, and I hope it marks the beginning of many future collaborations.

Does social media play a very important role in marketing your work and making it known to the common man?

Social media certainly plays an important role because it gives artists global visibility. It allows us to connect directly with art enthusiasts across the world. However, it also has its drawbacks. The online art world attracts scammers who approach artists with various schemes and false promises. It is important to be cautious, verify every opportunity, and protect both your work and your reputation.

For me, social media is an important tool, but it is not the destination. It complements exhibitions, relationship with the art world, and personal connections. Ultimately, art is best experienced in person, where its scale, texture, and emotional presence can truly be felt. Social media offers tremendous visibility, but it also requires discernment, as not every opportunity online is genuine.

Who is your favorite Italian artist and why?

Leonardo da Vinci is my favourite Italian artist because he reminds me that creativity has no boundaries. His curiosity, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire me as much as his masterpieces. He teaches us that an artist should never stop observing, questioning, and evolving.

Which are your favourite cities for food, travel and art?

Italy is one of my favourite countries because it brings together art, history, culture, food, and beauty in such a seamless way. Every visit feels like a journey through living history, where art, architecture, food, and everyday life exist in perfect harmony. I especially love  Florence and Tuscany, where beauty is woven into the landscape itself.

Venice feels magical to me—there is poetry in its canals, its light, and its timeless atmosphere. Florence is a dream for any artist, where every street seems to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. Rome captivates me with its extraordinary history, vibrant food culture, and effortless elegance in fashion and design. Every city has its own soul, and together they offer an endless source of inspiration.

Paris holds a special place in my heart for its enduring love of art. Its museums, galleries, architecture, and café culture create an atmosphere where creativity feels woven into everyday life. Walking through Paris always reminds me that art is not confined to galleries—it becomes part of the city’s very rhythm. Whether in Italy or France I am drawn to places where art, culture, and history are not merely preserved but lived.

What is the most challenging part of being an artist in India?

One of the greatest challenges of being an artist in India is that there is no blueprint for success. It is a path without guarantees, where talent alone is never enough. Recognition cannot be predicted, and there is no finish line where one can finally say, “I’ve arrived.”

An artist must learn to create even in uncertainty—to believe in the work long before the world believes in it. Beyond creativity, this journey demands resilience, discipline, patience, and the courage to remain authentic in the face of constant change. Everything I have achieved has been built over years of unwavering commitment. Every exhibition, every opportunity has been earned through perseverance, continuous growth, and an unshakable faith

in my vision. Success in art is not a destination; it is the ability to keep creating with the same passion, regardless of circumstances. I believe talent may open a door, but resilience is what keeps it open. For me, the artist’s journey is not from success to success—it is from uncertainty to infinite possibilities. Looking back, I realize that my finest masterpiece is not a painting, but the life that shaped the artist I have become.

As both an artist and a poet, I often express that journey through words. I would like to leave you with a poem that reflects the spirit behind my journey.

The Art of Standing Alone

“I taught my spirit

to rise with quiet certainty,

to find its rhythm

without waiting for the world to lead.

 

I became my own shelter,

my own compass,

my own unwavering light

through every changing season.

 

Resilience became

a silent discipline,

forged in moments

that asked me to trust my own strength.

 

I learned the grace

of carrying my own dreams,

of shaping my own path

with steady hands and an unyielding heart.

 

There is a rare power

in belonging completely to yourself,

in discovering that freedom

is born from self-reliance

and nurtured by courage.

 

Now I walk with ease,

guided not by fear

but by the confidence

that I can meet whatever comes.

 

Strength is no longer something I seek—

it lives within me.

Freedom is no longer a destination—

it is the way I choose to live.

 

And beneath the limitless sky,

I celebrate the masterpiece

I have created of myself—

resilient,

fearless,

and free.”