Viraj Mithani is a contemporary artist whose work delves into the complexities of cultural history, identity, and narrative through a distinctive blend of traditional and modern techniques. Drawing inspiration from architectural forms, historical references, and cultural theory, Mithani creates multi-layered visual narratives that reflect the evolving nature of personal and collective identities.

 

His practice involves painting, printmaking, drawing and using of specialised material and layering techniques such as giclee and vinyl. He holds an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) as Vikram and Geetanjali Kirloskar Visiting Scholar in Painting in Providence, RI. BFA in Painting and Printmaking from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and a diploma degree in Studio Art from Chelsea Camberwell Wimbledon College of Art and Design (CCW) of University of Arts London (UAL 2012).

  • The painting explores many different dichotomies. They challenge the traditional notions of storytelling and representation by both embracing and transgressive...

    Frugal Dreams of East (Variation 1), 2024

    The painting explores many different dichotomies. They challenge the traditional notions of storytelling and representation by both embracing and transgressive narrative forms. The painting draws from cultural histories of Indian, South and East Asian subcontinent. By mixing several events, Mithani creates his own mythology through vehicle of material abstraction.

     

    Each brushstroke is meticulously recreated with intricate aari and zardozi stitches, capturing the essence of acrylic painting while enhancing the artwork's key elements. By blending two or three colored yarns into a single thread, we achieve seamless shading that adds depth and vibrancy to the design.

  • Jali is inspired by architectural structures and inlay stone techniques found in Indian architecture. It divides the world of social...
    Jali (Variation 1), 2024

    Jali is inspired by architectural structures and inlay stone techniques found in Indian architecture. It divides the world of social institutions and practices into two domains - the material and spiritual. The material is the domain of the ‘outside,’ of the economy and statecraft, of science and technology. The spiritual was the ‘inner’ domain bearing the ‘essential’ marks of cultural identity.

     

    The intricate threadwork mimics the fluidity of brushstrokes, adding both depth and dynamic movement to the artwork. A blend of cotton and silk threads is expertly applied so that, from a distance, the stitches seamlessly merge to create a harmonious whole, yet up close, each section reveals its own distinct and detailed craftsmanship.