Featured Artist May 2016

Riti Dhesi

Riti Dhesi graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder with a B.A. in History and University of Hawaii, Manoa with a M.A. in American Studies (Diaspora and Cultural Memory). She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a bi-cultural household and frequently traveled to India and throughout Asia.

Dhesi’s art transcends borders and incorporates colors and images from both sides of the world.

Artist Statement

I began drawing and painting at a young age and quickly developed a keen interest in color and composition – appreciating form and shape, color and hue in the world around me. And as a formally trained ballet dancer I incorporate my sense of movement, timing and space into my artwork. I enjoy breaking down my subjects to their very essence and highlighting what I see as the core value. My work is largely abstract with occasional hints of reality. I love using acrylic, caran d'ache, graphite, collage, watercolor, paper, wax and canvas.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I still live) in a bi-cultural household in which we frequently traveled to India and throughout Asia. Growing up I was able to transition seamlessly from one culture to another. My artwork does the same – being at once expansive and personal.

In addition, I have worked in the environmental field for over fifteen years. My love of nature and wild spaces also informs my work.

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