M  Y  S  T  I  C  E  T  I

Shamim Ahmed is a visual artist whose work blends tradition and modernity through diverse mediums, including drawing, painting, illustration, and digital art. Born with Erb's palsy, Ahmed faced childhood isolation. This experience shaped his unique perspective, fuelling his passion to tell stories of those deemed "different" or "helpless." His art highlights forgotten histories, encouraging viewers to reflect on identity, history, and the environment. Driven by the belief that inclusion fosters harmony, Ahmed strives to create a world where everyone’s voice can make a difference.

Neha Dey’s artworks are a reflection of her life’s journey, shaped by the places she’s called home and the ever-changing world around her. Drawing inspiration from nature, her paintings often feature birds, animals, and whimsical creatures, blending fragmented memories with moments of the present. She challenges traditional canvases by using unconventional mediums like children’s dresses, adorned with dreamlike scenes of childhood and fantastical worlds. By incorporating personal objects such as toys and keepsakes, Dey creates nostalgic, intimate narratives that invite viewers into a space where reality and imagination merge. Her work is a dialogue between past and present, nature and urban life, and between herself and the viewer.

Dola Shikder is a visual artist whose work explores identity, the body, and the societal constructs that shape self-perception. Growing up in an orthodox society, she developed a complex relationship with the body, questioning traditional notions of purity, gender, and autonomy. Her art employs rich, translucent textures and layering techniques to examine themes of identity, desire, fear, and the male gaze. Through series like “Does Our Body Know We Don’t Live in Caves Anymore” and “Playing Woman”, she investigates evolution, memory, and the multi-layered experiences of women. Her recent work delves into migration’s impact on the body, space, and cultural identity.

Thomas Changmai is a multidisciplinary artist from Assam, currently based in Baroda. His work is rooted in his connection to nature and addresses the relationships between environmental, cultural, political, and social issues. Growing up in a village, with the natural world, Changmai became passionate about preserving landscapes threatened by deforestation and coal mining, particularly in the Dehing Patkai rainforest. Using sustainable materials like bamboo, charcoal, and repurposed items, he blends traditional mediums with digital animation and 3D models to raise awareness and spark dialogue on crucial environmental and socio-political issues.