Shiv Lal

Shiv Lal Saroha was born in 1972. Graduating from the Delhi College of Arts in 1998, he has worked consistently and unceasingly, evolving a strong and distinctive style of a new kind of expressionism that is decidedly Indian in its sensibility. His single-minded pursuit of excellence was initially recognised when he got the First Prize at the College of Art in Delhi in 1986.

The key to Shiv Lal Saroha’s works is a blend of visual lyricism with rhythm. If the colours on his canvas are the flow of melody, the forms- both abstract and real play the role of percussion instruments. This musical metaphor in his art is not just a flash in the pan. It is a studied development from his series on musicians of 2000, to his abstraction of musical instruments and musicians of 2005, to his use of colour sequences and forms as an orchestrated whole.

It is the considered and studied development of his art that distinguishes him from so many artists trying out their hand at gimmicks and half-baked experiments today.

Saroha has held a few solo shows and been a part of many major group shows. His works were shown in the National Exhibitions of Art in 2006 and is in the collections of the Alkazi Foundation as well as with well-known collectors in Germany, France, Scotland, England, Italy and U.S.A.

As an artist who he has been recognised for his unique style and technique, he has won several awards that include the First Prize from the College of Arts, and the Sahitya Kala Parishad.

The artist lives and works in New Delhi.