Nicola Durvasula

Nicola Durvasula’s works present the oppositions and contradictions of contemporary life. Drawing from differences such as those between East and West and fine arts and popular culture, the artist intertwines images that are seldom seen in the same light. Her works, therefore, often appear surreal or mystical. 

The use of painting along with her already eclectic style of drawing allows her audience to understand the time consuming nature of her process and simultaneously, the intensity of her thoughts portrayed. A hint of satirical humour can also been sensed in Durvasula’s compositions, which sometimes appear laced with subtle eroticism. 

Nicola Durvasula was born in 1960 in Jersey, Great Britain. Her education in art started in 1985 with a Diplome National Superieur d’Expression Plastique from the Ecole des Beaux Arts du Havre, France. In the same year, she studied at Atelier Gravure, Ecole des Beaux Arts de Paris, France; and in 1993, she received a Diplome Unilingue de Langue et Civilisation Orientales from the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales, Paris, France. In 2004, Durvasula graduated from Kent Institute of Art and Design with a Master’s degree in Fine Art. Her recent solo exhibitions include, ‘Life is But a Dream Part VII’ at Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai, in 2008; ‘Static Lines And Where They Take You’ at Thomas Erben Gallery, New York, in 2007; Rachmaninoff’s, London, in 2004; Nature Morte, New Delhi, in 2004; Galerie Rue Montgrand, École Supérieure Des Beaux-Arts de Marseille, Marseille, in 2004; and ‘Indian Rope Trick’ at Centre 19, Montbeliard, in 2002. Her work has also been featured in several group shows, the most recent being held at Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Mumbai, in 2008; ‘The Acceptance World’ at Rachmaninoff’s, London, in 2007; ‘House of Mirrors’ at Grosvenor Vadehra, London, in 2007; and Thomas Erben Gallery, New York, in 2006.