Paintings of Rhea Maheshwari at Bergman Gallery until December 21, 2024
From a Correspondent
Auckland, December 13, 2024
An Auckland-based young artist has invited Indian Newslink readers and guests to her ongoing painting exhibition in Auckland.
Titled, Amor Fabrica, the exhibition portrays the latest offerings of Rhea Maheshwari, who is an acknowledged artist. The display will take viewers to a world where heritage meets contemporary self-expression.
On display at Bergman Gallery until December 21, 2024, the series reimagines the intricate aesthetics of Mughal miniature painting through the intimate lens of self-portraiture. Translating to Love of Craft in Latin, Amor Fabrica explores identity, romance, and cultural heritage themes.
Each painting is a delicate yet bold dialogue with history, harmonising the past and present while merging diverse cultural perspectives. Drawing on the layered symbolism and intricate detail of Mughal art, Rhea creates a vivid framework for emotional expression, or psycho-spiritual moods (known as Rasa in Indian aesthetics).
“Each piece in Amor Fabrica serves as a dialogue with history. For me, it is about harmonising artistic and spiritual movements of the past and present and synthesising a new perspective,” Rhea said.
The Exhibition runs till the 21st of December 2024 and is open to all, especially those interested in contemporary art. For seasoned collectors, the exhibition offers a chance to acquire pieces that skillfully balance historical influences with contemporary relevance.
For those new to art collecting, Amor Fabrica presents a unique opportunity to invest in the work of a rising talent early in her career.
About Rhea Maheshwari
Rhea’s artistic journey began in childhood, sparked by the accidental creation of a mark while scribbling. She believes that moment ignited a lifelong fascination with the mystery of mark-making and a strong desire to hone her skills. A six-month foreign exchange program in the Netherlands in 2018 proved pivotal to her development, exposing her to the grandeur of European architecture and art history, which complemented her Indian influences. The following year she participated in a residency at WAA (What About Art?) in Mumbai, India.
These experiences deepened her connection to Mughal miniature painting and set the stage for her exploration of blending traditional and contemporary forms.
Completing her postgraduate (Master’s) degree in Visual Art with First Class Honours at AUT in 2021, Rhea has been building a reputation for her richly detailed works inspired by 17th and 18th-century Mughal miniatures. Her art focuses on creating intuitive, subjective maps—metaphorical territories that weave together cosmologies, geographies, and cultures. Influenced by the ornamental and decorative elements of Mughal art, her work incorporates self-reflection, ritual, and love, all within the paradigm of Tantra.
Upon graduating with her Masters, Rhea garnered numerous accolades, including the Board’s Choice in the Eden Arts Art School Award, the Joint Overall Winner of the Eden Arts Young Artists Award, and the Gordon Harris Award for Excellence in Visual Arts.
Her work caught the attention of curators and collectors alike. Senior artist and curator Marc Blake was an early advocate, offering her a solo exhibition in Queenstown right after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, Sir James Wallace, a well-known arts patron, purchased several of her works which are now part of The Arts House Trust collection, the largest collection in New Zealand.
A Prolific Year
2024 has been a prolific year for Rhea. She participated in seven group exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, the highlights of which have been exhibitions at MAG Contemporary New Delhi, Quorum Club Hyderabad, Corban Estate Arts Centre Auckland and the CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Christchurch.
She was featured in Tapestry of Time, an exhibition in New Delhi curated by Srinivas Mopidevi, celebrating contemporary Indian artists from India and the global diaspora who are reinterpreting Mughal miniature traditions for the present context.
This young Aucklander is steadily emerging as a promising young artist in the contemporary art scene in New Zealand. Her practice reflects a deep engagement with cultural heritage and storytelling, blending traditional Indian and Western art forms in a way that feels both personal and universal.
The Bergman Gallery
Rhea is represented by Bergman Gallery, a contemporary space championing Pacific and Asian Diaspora artists, located at the intersection between Ponsonby and K Road.
As the youngest artist in their roster and a proud member of New Zealand’s Indian community, she brings a distinct voice to their lineup.
Gallery Director Ben Bergman said that he was introduced to Rhea by Gallery Manager Benny.
“He curated Rhea’s work A Place to Call Home: Contemporary New Zealand Asian Art, and I was immediately drawn to her unique perspective and talent. I was impressed by her potential and decided to formally represent her, showcasing her art at the Aotearoa Art Fair, New Zealand’s premier showcase of contemporary art. It has been fascinating to witness her growth and evolution as an artist since, as she continually pushes herself to explore new ideas and techniques,” he said.
Career Challenges
While Rhea’s artistic accomplishments are numerous, she is no stranger to the challenges of building a career as a creative in New Zealand, where Indian artists are under-represented and art institutions are underfunded. Rhea has faced these challenges with determination along with a deep gratitude for her family’s unwavering support.
“Choosing to follow my passion for creating art involves financial and emotional risk, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without a support system. The contrast between my creative work and my work life makes each milestone even sweeter,” she said.
Supporting young artists like Rhea is vital to fostering a vibrant and diverse art scene.
By championing emerging talents, collectors and art enthusiasts not only celebrate innovation but also ensure that creative voices continue to flourish, enriching the cultural fabric of our communities.
As her practice and career continue to evolve, Rhea remains committed to honouring her roots while exploring new creative horizons. Her work is not just a celebration of her heritage but also a bridge connecting past and present, India and Aotearoa, tradition and innovation.
Follow Rhea on Instagram at @art.rheaa. Visit www.bergmangallery.com
For Inquiries and purchasing her works of art, please contact bennychan@bergmangallery.com
