[Exclusive Interview] This Rising Artist Is Inspired By Mythology, Life & Art To Create Stunning Sculptures Across The World

Recently, we interacted with Niyamat Mehta, an emerging artist who is making waves in the art world. Born in 1999, she has been labeled as the ‘Emerging Artist to Invest In 2023’ by Firenze Yes Please, and her artistic journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Here are the interview highlights:

Could you share a pivotal moment or experience that has significantly shaped your artistic journey and perspective as an artist?

I don’t believe it’s tied to a specific moment; rather, it’s the people I’ve been surrounded by—those who consistently share their knowledge, offer encouragement, and, most importantly, push me to progress daily. From all my mentors, I’ve embraced values such as hard work, consistency, strong work ethic, and patience. Achieving excellence in your craft and creating a sculpture with “life” requires significant time and effort. Therefore, my motto stays simple is to keep my eye on the ball, work diligently in the studio every single day.

Your decision to transform physical sculptures into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is quite innovative. What motivated you to bridge the gap between traditional art and the digital space, and what challenges or opportunities do you foresee for artists embracing this technology?

• I ventured into the realm of NFTs as an artist, driven by the desire to showcase my work on a different platform. NFTs, in my view, serve as an additional tool for artists, facilitating the exposure of their creations. Despite not exclusively creating digital art, I’ve garnered interest by presenting high-resolution photos of my work.

How does Indian heritage influence and manifest itself within your artistic creations, particularly in the context of showcasing your art in diverse cultural landscapes globally?

Our culture is arguably one of the most vibrant in the world today. I enjoy contemplating ideas and connecting them to our rich heritage. Despite having lived in various parts of the world, I consider these roots to be fundamentally mine. The influence of Indian mythology is prominently expressed in many of my sculptures, notably in “Atman,” showcased during my exhibition “Meraki” at Bikaner House in August 2023.

Your commitment to mentoring budding talent is commendable. What inspired you to start offering masterclasses, and what do you hope aspiring artists will gain from your teachings and experiences in the art world?

That’s very kind, thank you. My training at The Florence Academy of Art, under an exceptionally talented group of artists, sparked my interest in teaching during the advanced year of my training. I would occasionally visit the first-year studio after classes to provide critiques to students working on their sculptures. This experience made me realize my passion and aptitude for teaching, leading to establishing my own studio in Florence and later teaching at the London Fine Art Studio and Atelier Della Firenze (my studio in New Delhi). I consider teaching a noble endeavor, especially when guiding others to achieve their dreams. My objective is to train the new generation of sculptors, sharing the knowledge I gained from my mentors and my time at The Florence Academy of Art, enabling them to do the same for the next generation.

Having exhibited in cities like London, Paris, Florence, Rome, and Delhi, how do different audiences and cultural contexts influence the reception and understanding of your art?

Exhibiting in diverse cities exposes my art to varied audiences and cultural contexts. Each audience interprets and receives my work uniquely, influenced by their cultural backgrounds and perspectives. London and Paris, for instance, bring cosmopolitan viewpoints, while Florence and Rome, steeped in art history, may perceive my pieces through a more traditional lens. Delhi, being my sculpture studio’s location, offers a blend of cultural influences. Understanding these diverse receptions enriches my artistic dialogue and encourages a broader appreciation for the nuances of my work. I find value in each place’s distinctiveness, and it’s this diversity that fuels my anticipation for exhibiting in different locations.

Could you share an anecdote or experience that reflects the impact of showcasing your work in diverse global settings?

Certainly, showcasing my work globally has led to a memorable experience in Paris. During an exhibition, a local art enthusiast engaged in a lengthy conversation with me about a sculpture. Their perspective, shaped by Parisian cultural nuances, provided me with insights I hadn’t considered. This exchange not only highlighted the diverse interpretations of my art but also sparked new ideas. It underscored how the global settings of exhibitions can foster unique dialogues, broadening both my artistic understanding and the audience’s appreciation for the work.