Divya is an interdisciplinary artist drawing from philosophy, femininity 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 sensitivity 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)
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
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, New 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
2012 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Show, Camberwell College of Arts, London, UK
Awards, Publication & Residency
2021 'Sheroes Prize' Winner (organised by Lon-art Creative, funded by the Arts Council England)
2020 Cel del Nord Residency, Spain
2019 Women: Inspiring Quotes & Artistic Responses by Nicola Wild and Andy Wild
2018 Distinction for the dissertation, “Representation of genitalia in Visual Art; Indian and European Art Culture” (Royal College of Art)
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)
2008 India International Centre, Delhi, India
2006 Kamani Auditorium, Delhi
2005 India Habitat Center, Delhi
2002 India International Centre, Delhi
1999 Triveni Kala Sangam, Delhi
Talks
2021 Webinar: My RCA Experience moderated by Royal College of Art
2022 Talk on Iconography of Genitalia, Goddesses and lives of Women today at Durban University of Technology, South Africa
Curated Solo Exhibitions
2023 Bikaner House, Delhi
2022 India Habitat Centre, Delhi
Relevant Work Experience
BBC World Service English, Royal Commonwealth Society, Royal Academy, Tate Modern, Somerset House,
London Art Fair, India Art Fair