Art via divine aura

In the picturesque town of Suri, West Bengal, where tradition and culture merge seamlessly, Chaitali Maji first discovered her artistic talent. Now a prominent artist based in Hyderabad, she has transformed her early inspirations into a celebrated career, showcasing her work in galleries across India and abroad.
Growing up in a Bengali family, she was immersed in a vibrant cultural milieu. “I was exposed to dance, music, art and other cultural activities from a young age. Suri’s proximity to Shantiniketan, known for its art and culture, was influential in shaping my artistic path,” she recalls. Her prodigious talent was evident early on; at just four years old, her drawing assignment astonished her teacher. “I remember vividly that, at four, my class teacher gave me a drawing assignment. My drawing was exceptional for my age and she asked me to recreate it in front of her. When I did it flawlessly, she encouraged my parents to nurture my budding talent.”
Transitioning from her educational years at Suri and Burdwan University to family life in Hyderabad, she faced the challenge of balancing her artistic passion with new responsibilities. “When I became a mother, it brought me a lot of happiness but also some personal unhappiness. I found myself searching for something that was missing, despite my material happiness. It was my passion for painting that filled that void,” she explains.
Chaitali’s path to becoming a professional artist was not straightforward. Initially working as an art teacher, she was urged by her family and friends to showcase her art in prominent galleries. “I started as an art teacher and with encouragement from my well-wishers, family members and friends, I began to exhibit my art in renowned galleries. This support was crucial in my transition to becoming a professional artist,” she says.
Her work has been showcased in prestigious venues, including the IHC, AIFACS, Artizen Art Gallery in New Delhi, the State Art Gallery, the HAS and Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, the ICCR and Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata and Dom Artysty Plastyka in Poland. “My painting has traversed through innumerable shows in these prestigious galleries. I believe that painting is the most powerful visual communication tool, making a profound impact on the human mind,” she asserts.
She prefers working with acrylic on canvas but also enjoys exploring various mediums. “I prefer to work with acrylic on canvas due to its versatility. I also love working with watercolors, pencil sketches, graphite and soft oil pastels. My work often focuses on nature, animals, birds, mythology, cultural heritage, social awareness, and womanhood,” she shares. Her artistic repertoire spans both realistic and contemporary styles. “I started with realistic art, which I believe is essential for developing skills. My current project, Inner Voice, is focused on realistic art. I feel that mastering realism is important before exploring contemporary forms. Realistic art helps in developing the necessary skills.”
One of her significant projects is the Divine Aura series, which presents deities in a modern light. “I liked mythology from my childhood. My parents used to tell me stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other epics. I wanted to present God and Goddess in a contemporary way, which is reflected in my Divine Aura series. It represents the superpower in my own way, making it easier to embrace and comprehend,” she explains.
Her Inner Voice series delves into societal biases and the complex experiences of women. “Through Inner Voice, I represent various societal biases and how they impact women’s lives. Some works highlight the captivity or subjugation women experience, while others showcase their passion and determination. My art often depicts women as powerful and profound, like Mata Durga, showcasing their resilience and depth,” she elaborates.
Her creative process is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and emotions. “What we see, feel and think in our surroundings first comes to our mind, then I convert it into a painting on a canvas. My artworks are experiences through my life,” she reveals. Despite the challenges of her artistic journey, Chaitali remains deeply motivated. “Painting is my passion and love. I never feel bored with it. Whatever challenges come my way, I take them positively and enjoy my work.”
Reflecting on her long-term goals, she is committed to using her art to drive societal change. “I am sure that someday my artwork will bring awareness to society and this is my long-term goal. I hope that my artwork will bring awareness to societal issues and drive positive change,” she says.
For aspiring artists, the renowned artist offers this advice: “Enjoy your work with full dedication and hard work. Remain committed to your passion and keep pushing forward.” Balancing her personal and professional lives is crucial for her. “Daily, I allocate seven hours to my family and seven hours to my career. This balance is crucial for maintaining both aspects of my life,” she explains.
Chaitali Maji’s art vividly illustrates the profound impact of creativity on both personal and societal levels. Her extraordinary journey from the small town of Suri to the international art scene highlights her resilience and dedication, demonstrating the powerful influence art can have in shaping and inspiring the world.”