Divya is an interdisciplinary artist drawing from femininity, philosophy and empirical experiences. Her work elicits dialogue, invoking theories on simulation, reality, perceptions and reflections on the constructed nature of our identities. The synergy of materials and semiotics within a conceptual framework, reveals layers of meaning that invite viewers to delve deeper into the subconscious realms of human consciousness.
Her methodology reflects ethnographic studies within cultural and socio-political contexts. The works embody an interplay of diverse viewpoints, cultural nuances and inquiries into personal accounts of memory. Addressing paradox and hypocrisy she delves into tangible, intangible and unspoken narratives from the ordinary. Within this exploration, a pattern of repetition and multiplicity emerges, extending to the concept of defamiliarization.
Her practice entails a symbiotic relationship between nature of subject and its chosen medium, encompassing text as drawing, (painting) watercolours, acrylics, oil, (sculpture) bronze, installation and performance videos. Divya lives and works in Delhi and London.
Education
2016 - 18
MA Contemporary Art Practice, Critical Practice Pathway - Royal College of Art (Distinction)
2013 - 16
BA (Hons) Fine Art - Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
2011 - 12
Foundation diploma in Art and Design - University of the Arts London
2011
MA in Odissi Classical Dance - Pracheen Kala Kendra, India (Distinction)
2024
Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship - accomplished virtually; funded by the United States Mission in Nigeria and U.S. Department of State, Washington D.C.
2017
Voice of Influence RADA Business - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
2015
Art and its Markets - Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London
2012
Art & Anatomy - University of Oxford, England
Exhibitions
2024
Sheroes Interventions, Southwark Council, London, UK
Art on Loop, The Holy Art Gallery, Paris, France
Alchemy, The Holy Art Gallery, London, UK
Streams of Consciousness, Open Palm Court Gallery at India Habitat Centre, Delhi, India
2021
Sheroes-Revoluciones 2.0, London, UK (virtual)
The Outsider Moving Art & Film Festival, Hers is Ours, Delhi, India
2020
Exit, Ugly Duck, London, UK
Women’s Herstory Month Sheroes - Revoluciones, Ugly Duck, London, UK (Initiative by Lon-art, funded by the Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund)
Artist Against Abuse, The Shoe Factory Social Club, Norwich, UK
Pratibimb, Open Palm Court Gallery at India Habitat Centre, Delhi, India
2019
Sheroes - Revoluciones, Ugly Duck, London, UK
(Funded by the Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund)
2018
Contemporary Art Practice Degree Show, Royal College of Art, London, UK
2017
WIP Show, Royal College of Art, London, UK
2016
Show 1, Central Saint Martins, London, UK
2015
Wayfinding, supported by Bridget Riley Art Foundation, British Museum, London, UK
CSM Come, Central Saint Martins, London, UK
2014
Psychoanalysis and Art: Freud’s interpretation of dreams, Central Saint Martins, London, UK
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Show, Camberwell College of Arts, London, UK
2012
Awards, Residency & more
2024
Recipient of Global Talent Award endorsed by the Arts Council England
Global Arts & Health Festival, workshop conducted in Sundarbans (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal)
2021
'Sheroes Prize' Winner (organised by Lon-art, funded by the Arts Council England)
2020
Cel del Nord Residency, Spain
2015
Modelled for Mondcivitano Project by Jamie McCartney, UK
Selected Performances
2016
Big Dance, Trafalgar Square, London, UK
(dance choreographed by Akram Khan, music composed by Nitin Sawhney)
2010
Opening ceremony, Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India
2008
India International Centre, Delhi
2006
Kamani Auditorium, Delhi
2005
India Habitat Center, Delhi
2002
India International Centre, Delhi
1999
Triveni Kala Sangam, Delhi
Talks
2022
Talk on Iconography of Genitalia, Goddesses and lives of Women today at Durban University of Technology, South Africa
2021
Webinar: My RCA Experience moderated by Royal College of Art
Publications
2024
Art & Deal, print magazine, issue 181-182, page 56; India
Svasalife.com, Reflective Realms with Divya Mittal; India
The Holy Art, print magazine, issue 04, page 42; UK
2022
Slipstreammediauk.com, Interview with curator Divya Mittal by Eddie Saint-Jean; UK
2019
Women: Inspiring Quotes & Artistic Responses by Nicola and Andy Wild; page 36,37; UK
Women in Leadership, digital magazine, winter issue, page 60,61; UK
2018
Distinction for MA dissertation “Representation of genitalia in Visual Art; Indian and European Art Culture” Royal College of Art
Solo Exhibitions - Curator
2023
Bikaner House, Delhi
2022
India Habitat Centre, Delhi
Relevant Work Experience
BBC World Service English, Royal Commonwealth Society, Royal Academy