Sonali Durga Chaudhari

Sonali Durga Chaudhari was born and brought up in New Delhi and graduated from the prestigious College of Art, Delhi specialising in Fine Art. Her work is profoundly inspired by her extensive travels in the Himalayan regions and the Upper Gangetic belt. She likes to experiment with texture and colour, thereafter manifesting her myriad experiences on the canvas.  

The artist reiterates: “My paintings depict the strength and beauty of nature in some way or the other. We have forgotten it but we are an integral part of nature. Nature is the greatest inspiration for one to learn continuously. As a human being, I believe in overcoming obstacles and triumphing over all adversity in the journey of life. My artworks highlight the transformation of the human spirit from bondage to freedom, from darkness to light and from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of bliss. For me, pure bliss means being one with the universal consciousness or the supreme energy which pervades this entire universe. Like the mighty Ganges, I flow through life, through everything it has to offer.”

A nomad at heart, Sonali’s eyes are forever looking beyond the horizon. Her first interaction with the river Ganga was as a child while travelling to Rishikesh with her maternal grandparents. Sonali elaborates: “That image of the golden river flowing in front of me is imprinted in my mind, like it was just yesterday.” This catalytic, mystical, revelatory and seminal experience is seamlessly illuminated in her works that celebrate the myriad moods of the river.

  

Given the above, Sonali has exhibited her paintings at many reputed art galleries/institutions/festivals in India and globally-Jehangir Art Gallery, Cymroza Art Gallery & Nehru Centre, Mumbai; Lalit KalAkademi, India Habitat Centre, Arpana Caur Art Gallery, Taj Palace Hotel, India Art Festival, New Delhi; Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur; State Art Gallery, Hyderabad; 

Shows in Dubai, Mauritius & Nehru Centre, London among many others. Her works also form part of private collections and organisations. In addition, she is also the recipient of the “Iconic women creating a better world for all” award conferred by the Women Economic Forum. Furthermore, she has also been honoured and received an award for her contribution in the field of Art from the Indian Council for UN Relations.  

A free spirit who wishes to continuously evolve, Sonali takes life lessons from the river which has been a pillar of strength for her. When asked to share her perspective about the meaning of life, she remarked: “just passing through, like a river on its way to the ocean without fear.”