Geometric abstraction, symbolic forms, and the natural world all converge in the art of Puja, an artist whose work is deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy and spirituality. Drawing from her experiences across the Asia-Pacific region, Puja’s art transcends cultural boundaries, evoking themes of balance, harmony, and mysticism. Her creative process, inspired by nature’s rhythms and the cyclic essence of life, invites viewers to connect on a more profound, introspective level.
Here are excerpts from Maria Irene‘s interview with Puja Puri, where she discusses her influences, creative journey, and the future of her artistic explorations.
Your work often reflects Eastern philosophy and spirituality. How do these themes influence your creative process and the stories you tell through your art?
Eastern philosophy and spirituality deeply influence both my creative process and the narratives in my art. I use geometric shapes like squares, triangles, and circles as symbols to explore deeper philosophical ideas rooted in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Squares represent structure and security, triangles embody energy and power, while circles reflect infinity and unity. This spiritual framework guides my selection of forms, colours, and patterns, aiming to evoke a sense of harmony and equilibrium, drawing on notions of yin and yang, mindfulness, and the cyclic nature of life. My goal is to offer a visual experience that encourages introspection and connection to one’s inner world.
Having lived across the Asia-Pacific region, how have your experiences in different cultures shaped your artistic expression?
Living across the Asia-Pacific region has profoundly shaped my artistic expression by exposing me to diverse cultures, philosophies, and aesthetics. In India, I was immersed in vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and spiritual traditions, which deeply resonate in my use of bold hues and symbolic geometry. Australia has introduced me to vast open landscapes and a sense of space, inspiring simplicity and balance in my compositions. In Singapore and Hong Kong, the dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity heightened my interest in finding harmony between structure and fluidity, order and chaos. These experiences have allowed me to blend Eastern philosophy with modern abstraction, creating work that transcends cultural boundaries while remaining deeply personal, celebrating the universality of balance and interconnectedness of all life.
Nature and form play a significant role in your work. Could you share how you draw inspiration from the natural world, and how that manifests in your art?
Nature and form are central to my artistic vision, serving as both inspiration and metaphor for the themes I explore. I’m deeply fascinated by the patterns, rhythms, and organic forms found in the natural world, whether it’s the fluid curves of a river, the fractal-like growth of plants, or the cyclical patterns of the seasons. These natural elements embody balance, simplicity, and harmony, all of which are core to my work. In my art, this inspiration manifests through the use of geometric shapes that echo nature’s structures and dynamics. The natural world’s interplay between chaos and order also influences the balance I seek in my art. Just as nature is both powerful and serene, I try to evoke those same qualities in my paintings, inviting viewers to feel a primal connection to life’s essential beauty.
The Other Art Fair is celebrating its 100th edition this year. How does it feel to be part of such a milestone event, and what significance does this platform hold for you as an artist?
Being part of The Other Art Fair’s 100th edition celebrations is incredibly exciting and meaningful for me as an artist. This platform has always stood out for its focus on emerging and independent artists, giving us the freedom to express our creativity. For me, the fair represents an opportunity to showcase my art in a vibrant, inclusive space where experimentation and individual expression are celebrated. It’s a place where artists get a chance to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, who are open to unique perspectives. As this is my first solo project at The Other Art Fair, the fact that it coincides with such a landmark edition makes it even more special.
Can you describe the journey of an artwork from its inception as an idea to its final form? Do you follow a structured process, or is it more intuitive?
The journey of an artwork for me is a blend of structure and intuition, where both planning and spontaneity play essential roles. It often begins with a conceptual seed—an idea or theme. From there, I start sketching my ideas, experimenting with the geometry and forms that will carry the concept. This is the structured part of my process, where I explore composition and consider how shapes like circles, squares, and triangles will interact. However, as the painting progresses, the process becomes much more intuitive. Colours, lines, and patterns emerge organically, guided by instinct and emotion rather than a rigid plan. I let the composition evolve naturally, responding to the energy of the piece as it unfolds. The balance between structure and intuition is key—it reflects the themes I explore in my art, where opposites coexist in harmony. Ultimately, each artwork arrives at a final form, when there’s a sense of resolution in the balance of shapes, colours, and the emotions they evoke.
Mysticism seems to be a recurring element in your art. What role does it play in the messages or emotions you aim to convey to your audience?
Mysticism, for me, is a way to celebrate the beauty of life’s mysteries and it plays a profound role in my art. It allows me to explore themes of transcendence and interconnectedness that create a sense of wonder and curiosity, which are central to the emotions I aim to evoke. In my work, mysticism often manifests through abstract forms, rhythmic patterns, and symbolic geometry that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and connect with something deeper and more intangible. It encourages them to engage with my art on an intuitive level, allowing them to find their own meaning and a moment of connection and reflection.
How does your heritage and connection to India influence your current work, especially in the context of being based in different parts of the world?
My Indian heritage is a foundational influence in my work. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by rich cultural traditions, vibrant colours, and symbolic art forms, all of which continue to shape my artistic expression. The deep-rooted philosophies of balance, spirituality, and interconnectedness that are central to Indian thought are reflected in the themes I explore in my work today. One of the most significant influences from my heritage is the concept of rasa—the idea of evoking emotions or an aesthetic experience through art. This connects to my desire to create pieces that not only communicate visually but also resonate emotionally and spiritually with the viewer. The geometric forms I use often echo traditional Indian motifs found in mandalas, sacred architecture, or textile patterns, but I reinterpret them through a modern abstract lens. While my roots in Indian philosophy and aesthetics remain strong, my exposure to diverse cultures has allowed me to blend those influences with new perspectives, creating art that speaks to a global audience, exploring universal themes of balance, harmony, and self-discovery.
As an artist based in Australia, how do you balance personal introspection and external inspiration when creating art that touches on such profound themes? Tell us a bit more about your life as an artist in Sydney?
Living in Sydney, I find that balancing personal introspection with external inspiration is a fluid and dynamic process. The city itself offers a blend of natural beauty and urban energy, which acts as a constant source of inspiration. As an artist, personal introspection is key, I often take time to meditate, reflect, and connect with my own experiences, allowing these insights to shape the narrative and emotional depth of my work. However, external inspiration—from the natural environment, art exhibitions, or even conversations with other creatives—also feeds into my creative process, offering new perspectives that enrich my artistic explorations. Life as an artist in Sydney has been both rewarding and expansive. The city’s art community is diverse and supportive, with a thriving contemporary art scene that encourages experimentation and innovation. I enjoy being part of a place that celebrates artistic freedom. My studio time is often balanced with visits to art galleries, collaboration with other artists, and participation in events like The Other Art Fair, which further inspires and pushes me to refine my vision.
The Other Art Fair has become known for fostering diverse talent. What do you hope visitors take away from experiencing your work at this year’s event?
At The Other Art Fair, I hope visitors walk away from my work with a sense of connection, whether it’s the symbolism of geometric shapes or the emotional resonance of the colour palettes. I also hope my work sparks curiosity, encouraging viewers to engage with the mystical and philosophical layers embedded in the art. Ultimately, I hope that by experiencing my work, visitors leave with a sense of equilibrium—a feeling that they’ve encountered something that balances simplicity and complexity, order and fluidity, much like the balancing act we all navigate in life. If they walk away with even a small moment of contemplation or inspiration, I feel I’ve achieved what I set out to do.
Looking ahead, are there any specific concepts or mediums you are excited to explore in your future artistic projects?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new concepts that push the boundaries of abstraction. One concept I’m particularly intrigued by is the idea of “transcendence”—how art can serve as a medium to bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual, or between the visible and the invisible. I want to dive deeper into how geometric abstraction can represent not just physical forms but intangible emotions, energies, and states of being. In terms of mediums, I’m eager to experiment with larger-scale installations and more tactile, textured surfaces. While I’ve primarily worked with oil on canvas, I’m looking to incorporate mixed media—perhaps incorporating natural materials like wood, metal, or even fabric to add a more physical dimension to my work. Overall, I’m energised by the prospect of blending new materials, techniques, and ideas to expand the emotional and conceptual depth of my work, while continuing to honour the themes of balance, spirituality, and interconnectedness that remain central to my practice.
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✨ Artist Puja Puri shares insights into her creative journey, blending Eastern philosophy, nature, & geometry in a mystical fusion of art. 🎨🔮 What resonates most with you from this interview with Maria Irene? Share below! 🖼️ #TheIndianSun @ledgerlifeiohttps://t.co/mmIjeE7bHp
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