Biography

MONALISA MEHTA : contemporary conceptual artist ​

Artist Statement
“I believe art is not merely a form of expression but a bridge—a bridge between the past and present, tradition and modernity, logic and emotion. My journey began in the world of software engineering, a world of structured codes and binary logic. Yet, beneath that surface was an ever-growing desire to explore the intangible, the emotional, and the spiritual aspects of the human experience. My art emerges from this intersection—where analytical thinking meets raw emotion, and where ancient Indian wisdom converses with contemporary life.
Through my series, I seek to reinterpret traditional Indian knowledge systems—Indian Gurukul System, Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedanta, folk narratives—and weave them seamlessly into today’s dynamic, evolving cultural fabric. At the same time, I go deep into conceptual explorations of contemporary human emotions: isolation, identity, longing, digital alienation, and inner resilience. My canvases are meditative dialogues—inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and rediscover.”
 
Short Biodata

Birthplace : Bhubaneswar, India Current Base : Pune, India, working globally
Background : Self-taught artist with an academic and professional background in Software Engineering.
Mentored : by Renowned contemporary International artist and curator, Ashis Pahi,  to elevate her understanding fine art according to global scenario and conceptual art practice.
Trainng : 2 Years EIA [ Emerging Indian Artists ] Mentorship, Kalanrvana International [2023-2025]
Mediums : Acrylics, Charcoal , Oil, Mixed media
Specialization : Conceptual contemporary art, Indian traditional knowledge reinterpretation, human emotion explorations
Website : www.conceptualmonalisa.com
Languages : English, Hindi, Odia, Gujarati
 
Artistic Journey & Inspiration
Born and raised in Bhubaneswar, India, Monalisa Mehta’s early years revolved around academic excellence and technological innovation. After earning a degree in Software Engineering, she worked for nearly a decade in the fast-paced world of IT and digital solutions. However, parallel to her professional career, Monalisa nurtured a deep and persistent love for art. What started as casual sketches and weekend experiments soon evolved into serious self-learning, exploration of various mediums, and conceptual ideation.
Her transition from software to studio was gradual but inevitable. The structured logic of programming languages sharpened her ability to conceptualize, while her personal introspection and interest in Indian philosophical systems broadened her creative horizons.
A significant turning point in Monalisa’s artistic growth came under the TWO YEARS mentorship of Ashis Pahi at Kalanirvana International. Through this guidance, she developed a deeper understanding of fine art, storytelling, composition, communication, art marketing, different mediums, conceptual frameworks and honed her ability to translate complex emotional and philosophical concepts into powerful visual narratives. This mentorship helped her elevate her art to the next level, refining her voice in the contemporary art landscape.
One of her primary inspirations lies in India’s vast reservoir of traditional knowledge—centuries-old practices that are still relevant but often overlooked in modern contexts. Her “Macauly’s Mould” series reimagines elements from Indian traditional education system, ‘ The gurukul’ and how Britishers planned to destroy it to make the Indians become educated slaves for rest of their life which we are seeing in the form of Indians in all over British influenced countries like ,UK,CANADA,USA,AUSTRALIA,NZ ETC.  making them accessible and resonant for contemporary audiences worldwide.
Simultaneously, Monalisa draws inspiration from the complexities of modern existence—the growing digital divide, emotional dissonance, hyper-connectivity, and societal pressures. Her “Emotion within” series, for example, addresses the fragmentation of human identity in the digital age through layered textures, symbolic forms, colors and muted palettes.
Different contemporary and conceptual arts and artists, influence her ideation and approach. Yet, her voice remains distinct—deeply rooted in Indian culture but universally relevant.