Meet Krupa Shah, a contemporary artist, art mentor, and entrepreneur from Mumbai!

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Krupa Shah was inclined towards art since she was a kid. Later, this passion became her full-time career, and now she is the Director of Krupa Arts and Arise Foundation as well as an active member of many prestigious platforms such as FICCI and Women Economic Forum.

Krupa Shah is a contemporary virtuoso abstract artist, art aficionado, philanthropist, entrepreneur & mentor. Her work revolves around modern abstraction, unwary of themes, objects, and feelings. She has also been a part of many national and international group exhibitions and conferences. Shah is a recipient of prestigious awards like the Best Artist Award by Global Business Information; Iconic leader contributing to a better world by Woman Economic Forum; Make in India Award organized by Bharat Nirman Foundation.

It was a childhood hobby that later became her passion and then her career. Krupa's work has depth, and there is a lot to explore in every piece she paints. "I remember being drawn towards the canvas and discovering my individual style as a teenager. My ideas translated into paintings instantly. It was then that I discovered my inborn passion for art, and ever since, I haven’t looked back", she says.

Krupa feels that art is a way of living, thinking, and feeling, and it is a language created to communicate what cannot be expressed in words. "Art is closely embedded into an artist’s life that it often gets influenced by experiences lived in real life. At times, it even influences the artist’s perception about the surroundings and world as a whole. To live an artist’s life means to attain that ultimate, coveted freedom," she further adds.

According to Wassily Kandinsky, Abstract art does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality. It instead uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect. It's one of the most liberating as well as challenging art forms, but Krupa Shah seems to have mastered it. Her paintings are beautiful and leave you with different thoughts. "Most of the time, when I place my art tools to canvas, the artwork stemmed from it is completely spontaneous. If I am into some particular colors that day, I let the brush take off on a journey of its own; and I just walk along for the ride.", she explains.

For Krupa, the decision to pursue an artistic career did not come in an organized or well-thought-through manner. To say her fondness for art grew instantaneously would be a false statement. "This transformation happened because of my travel experiences, along with formal training I received during and after extended years of my education. I gradually found my path and uncovered my true calling, and came to the realization that art is what I love to do and want to continue doing. So, after encountering endless apprehensions, doubts, and second thoughts, my passion and dedication drove me to choose art as a career.", she says.

Other than being a fabulous artist, Krupa Shah is an active member of FICCI, All Ladies League, and the Women Economic Forum. These forums, where entrepreneurs and leaders from all across the world come together, have been great sources for networking and learning for Krupa.

Sharing a piece of advice to the upcoming female leaders, she says, "I deeply believe every woman deserves “me time". I think it's the perfect time to indulge in some self-analysis. Art is for everybody, and women should learn or pursue it in any form. The best I can recommend is to “not” wait for an occasion, opportunity, or recognition. Work on advancing your art, and let people hear your voice through your work."

Being an artist and teacher, Krupa also feels that giving space and freedom to young artists is equally important. Whether good or bad, dark or vibrant, they should have the freedom to work on what they have envisioned. "Correcting something that has gone wrong is always better than not trying at all.", she adds.

Krupa has even taught a bunch of visually impaired kids to paint by recognizing color by its smell. She has also been active in many philanthropic activities. You can check Krupa's work here.

Also Read: ‘C’ for Constitution, ‘E’ for Education…. Learn the ‘Inqilab alphabets’ created by Sarah Modak, the illustration artist from Mumbai!

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