Hello, I am

Sanili

I envision art as a universal language that transcends cultural, geographical and societal boundaries. Through the splashing of vibrant colours onto a blank canvas, I love capturing the many moods, emotions and experiences of human life. I believe each stroke serves a purpose--- some warn, some motivate, some inspire---but most importantly, each one tells a ‘story’. It is through these stories that we rediscover ourselves at every stage of life’s intricate journey.

ABOUT

Inspired by the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai' and the transformative journey of Buddhism, Sanili believes in following her life purpose: creating value and meaning in the journey of life, through the dual pursuits of art and teaching.

With Indian roots, based in heart of Dubai’s cultural landscape, she has been pursuing art since the tender age of 7. As a visual artist and an English Language teacher, Sanili is fascinated by the uncanny connection between language and art. Unlike words which use a definite sequence to express ideas, art expresses myriad ideas, symbols and forms in non grammatical ways. But both, she believes have the power to connect the human mind beyond race and border. As an artist and educator, Sanili seamlessly navigates between the world of creativity and education, each enriching the other.

Sanili draws inspiration from diverse sources--- poetry, yoga, music, abstraction, feminine energy and the indomitable human spirit. For her, art is not merely a visual expression; it is a spiritual journey. From this journey, her visual narratives emerge, creating a captivating rhythm through the play of colours, mediums and textures. She has exhibited her artworks in several exhibitions, celebrating life and its richness.

Working primarily with acrylics and in two distinct styles, Sanili enjoys combining the elements of abstraction, figuration and the symbolic imagery of surrealism. The eclectic and soothing tones combined with the techniques of underpainting, pouring, dripping, layering, and glazing aim to evoke a sense of a serenity, spiritual revival, peace and purity.

“In a world which is ever changing, fraught with challenges, art empowers me to create a 'new reality', where I can express my inner voice with beauty, creativity and courage”. Sanili believes each one of us has a 'story' to tell through which we rediscover and recreate ourselves at every stage. Her vision is to create a world where the human spirit is celebrated through the medium of art. Life is her greatest muse.

CONTACT

Web: www.saniliartdivine.com
Email: info@saniliartdivine.com
Instagram: @sanili_artdivine

ONLINE GALLERY
(Please note all images are shown in square format. Therefore some areas of the artwork have been cropped.)

How would you describe your work to someone seeing it for the first time?

It’s on the viewers what they see, how they perceive and interpret my works. I enjoy combining movement, dynamism, the varied elements of abstraction, figuration and the symbolic imagery of surrealism in my paintings. Each stroke of the brush becomes a step in this dance, a manifestation of emotions, ideas and experiences. The use of both eclectic and soothing tones combined with the techniques of underpainting, dripping, layering, and glazing aim to evoke a sense of a serenity, spiritual revival, peace and purity. I believe, each viewer has a unique perspective, and being able to connect with a piece of creation makes them part your ‘journey’ and ‘story’.

What and which artists have influenced your work?

Life is my greatest muse. In a world marked by constant change and challenges, I believe in the transformative power of art to empower individuals to create their ‘new’ reality; a reality ‘true’ to themselves. Van Gogh’s life story, his relentless dedication to his art even in the face of adversity, is a story of inspiration. It’s the passion, purpose and profound connection with the divine within that motivate one to create a piece of art. Travelling extensively, visiting art galleries, museums and exploring the history of art and different cultures across the world, continue to add to my learning journey.

If you could collaborate with any artist past or present, who would you select and why?

Travelling back in time to the eras of Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, would be something I’d love to experience. It would be great to watch Jackson Pollock immersed in his ‘action painting’ or how Frida Kahlo developed her artistic style combining autobiographical elements and mixed realism with fantasy, raising questions of identity, gender and class in the postcolonial society.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I enjoy going with the flow of intuition and exploring new techniques. So hoping at every stage I’m able to rediscover myself as a human being and redefine many experiences through the medium of creativity.

MY TOP 5 ARTWORKS

1 - Serenity