User:Sheetal Durve

Sheetal Durve is an artist and author hailing from Pune and currently based in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From a young age, Sheetal was immersed in arts, attending exhibitions, performances and concerts with her culturally-inclined parents. This early exposure sparked a passion that would shape the course of her life. Sheetal received formal education in art, classical dance and music, and later pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While she initially worked in advertising. It wasn't long before she realised that her true calling was painting. She made the brave decision to become a full-time artist and has never looked back.

Sheetal’s art is inspired by nature and the current state of the world. She captures and expresses her influences through soul-stirring emotions on canvas, using a wide range of mediums including watercolour, oil, acrylic and mixed media. She is particularly drawn to the stunning array of colours and rhythms in nature and much of her work reflects this awe-inspiring beauty. However, she is also deeply affected by the political, humanitarian and social issues of the world and this is often reflected in her art.

Sheetal’s dedication to making a positive impact on the world extends beyond her art. She has been involved in art therapies for Alzheimer's and grief support groups and has donated her work to various causes and charities. She also shares her passion for art with the underprivileged and special needs children through workshops and classes. Sheetal is also the author of two children’s books, “Dream Diaries” and “Dream On,” which have received recognition at the Emirates Literature Festival in Dubai and all over the world.

Her artworks have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the globe, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, The United States, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and United Kingdom. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including being named one of the 50 inspiring women in the UAE, and receiving the Visionary Women Award in Dubai in 2021.

With her unique blend of creativity and social consciousness, Sheetal’s art is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and impactful. Her dedication to her craft and her community make her a true inspiration to many.

Awards and Recognitions: Nominated as one of the 50 inspiring women in the U.A.E. The Visionary Women Award, Dubai, U.A.E. 2021

Exhibitions and Participations: Art Hub Abu Dhabi 2018 Double Tree Hilton, Dubai 2019 Cambass Art gallery N.Y. U.S.A. 2020 Jiwi International Watercolour Autumn Show 2021, Japan By the Sea Dubai, U.A.E. 2021 Fabriano Aquarello 2022, Italy One thousand and one nights, New York Blissfulness - Picasso Art Gallery, Dubai DIFC Art Nights, Dubai Walk of Life, Dubai,. July 2022 Mukt Atma, an exhibition in Panama, Oct 2022 Small is Beautiful,- The Museum Of Americas, Oct 2022 Jiwi International Watercolour Winter Show, Nov 2022, Japan 51st U.A.E. National Day Abu Dhabi, Dec 2022 Rise, a painting on Racism, a permanent display in the Museum of South Korea, Oct 2022 Norway virtual exhibition, creating a world record for 143 countries participating. 7 Stages of Grief Exhibition (Done by Alzheimer's patients and grief support group mentored by Durve) 2021 Several exhibitions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the U.A.E and Delhi and Pune in India. August and December 2019 Painting auctioned to save Koalas in the Australian fires, Jan 2020 Painting auctioned for Ukraine refugees in U.K. on secret online fundraiser. June 2022 Boomer Gallery, Tower Bridge London. July 2023 Body Spaces, Line Contemporary Art Gallery, London. 28th July – 11th August 2023. Vietnam Fabriano Aquarello March 2024.

You can find more information on Sheetal Durve’s art and writing on her website at sheetaldurve.com or follow her on Facebook at “Dream Diaries by Sheetal” and on Instagram @artofsheetal