Born and raised in India, Geeta Dave developed her artistic foundation at the side of her father, a renowned artist whose influence deeply shaped her connection to our heritage and the natural world. Dave’s work explores the intrinsic bond between women and nature, serving as a visual narrative of empowerment, resilience, and the journey of life.

Rooted in the Sanskrit concept of Prakriti—which embodies the feminine essence in all life forms—her paintings often feature soft, poetic, and ancestral imagery. Dave frequently integrates human forms into surreal, natural landscapes. Birds hold a special significance in her work, acting as symbols of joy and adaptability; they represent the resilience to fly freely and thrive despite life’s challenges. Through vibrant colors, swirling forms, and intimate portrayals, she aims to unveil the hidden sacredness of nature and advocate for a balanced, harmonious world.

During this residency, she plans to develop a mixed-media series centered on the theme of ‘The Woman.’ This body of work will merge image transfers and collage onto balsa wood to create a rich, tactile aesthetic. By using image transfer techniques, she will build translucent, delicate layers that integrate seamlessly with the natural texture and grain of the wood, resulting in a deep, layered storytelling experience that mirrors the complexity of the feminine journey.

Photo credit: Geeta Dave