Bala Thiagarajan

I am an Immigrant Indian woman artist working from my studio in Arvada, Colorado. I create one of a kind paintings and ceramics at the intersection of culture, science and math. As a self taught artist, I attempt to channel my energy and passion for Indian culture in my artworks. I give permanence to some of the traditional and everyday ephemeral art forms I grew up with like henna body art, kolams & rangolis in the form of textured mandala paintings. My highly detailed paintings are based in geometry and the symmetry of the paintings comes from a meditative practice of organic repetition, with the finished piece full of rhythm and color. My palette, filled with luminous bold iridescent colors reflects the stunning colors of silk and cotton saris worn by women in South India. My own distinctive style was developed by applying the textures & patterns of free-hand henna through contemporary acrylics. I use piping bags & squeeze bottles to form dots & lines with acrylic paints on canvas.