Vandana Bhagra, Shimla
Shimla’s historic Tavern Hall at Gaiety Theatre is currently awash with colour, emotion and creativity as ‘The Alchemy of Light and Shade’, a four-day exhibition-cum-sale, brings the artistic brilliance of two local women artists into the spotlight. The event, running to packed halls and glowing reviews, showcases a stunning collection of landscapes, abstract visuals, floral compositions, and artisanal candles that weave together the themes of womanhood, nature, and the dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Curated by Priya Chauhan and Pragati Shandil, this immersive experience not only offers visual delight but also a sensory journey, where each piece tells a deeply personal and universal story.
One of the endearing highlights of the show was the presence of a budding artist, Prithveer Mehta, a Class 3 student at IVY International School, Bhattakufar. A devoted fan of the manga series Naruto, Prithveer brought youthful charm and raw talent to the exhibition, impressing visitors with his enthusiasm and sketching skills. His presence reinforced the event’s spirit of celebrating creativity across all ages.
Rooted in storytelling and nurtured by tradition, Priya Chauhan’s artistic journey is as textured and rich as her creations. Raised in Hamirpur in a family where woodworking was more than a skill—an inherited legacy—Priya’s childhood was steeped in creativity and oral storytelling, thanks to the bedtime tales of her grandmother. This early exposure shaped her worldview and became the foundation of her multifaceted artistic expression.
With a master’s degree in Literature from HPU, Priya’s professional journey led her into the world of writing and editing. Her work has featured in internationally acclaimed publications, covering subjects such as architecture, home trends, and environmental issues. Currently the publishing editor at Homecrux, a digital magazine under Flexinet Technologies, she balances her editorial career with her passion for handmade artistry.
Priya’s recent venture into handcrafted candle-making reflects her desire to blend aesthetics with wellness. Each candle she creates is a thoughtful blend of fragrance and intention, designed to invoke calm and serenity. Her visual artworks—ranging from landscapes to Cubist expressions—celebrate feminine resilience and imperfections. A self-taught painter, Priya is driven by curiosity and creativity. Her hobbies include reading, baking, sewing, gardening, and exploring cultures through travel. Deeply inspired by stories—both ancient and modern—she seeks to pass on the same warmth she once found in her grandmother’s tales.
For Pragati Shandil, art is more than a form—it’s a feeling, a dialogue between her inner world and the world around her. A Shimla-based artist and writer, Pragati has always turned to art as a space for reflection and emotional release. It is through art that she processes the unsaid and expresses what words often cannot.
Having completed her master’s degree in English Literature, Pragati has spent the past year working as a content writer at Homecrux, where she focuses on seasonal design trends and the evolving tiny house movement. But it is through her postcard-style artworks that her spirit truly soars. Her pieces are dreamlike, often capturing the serenity of imagined landscapes, nostalgic moments, and whimsical scenes that invite viewers into a world of introspection and fantasy.
For Pragati, art is not just a passion but her most honest mode of communication—an evolving language that continues to shape her identity as an artist and individual. Her tranquil yet emotionally charged visuals contribute a quiet depth to the exhibition, beautifully complementing Priya’s bolder strokes and themes.
The exhibition is a celebration of introspection, femininity and creative courage. Through the nuanced and heartfelt works of Priya and Pragati, visitors are reminded of art’s power to heal, connect and illuminate.
