Hari & Deepti, an artist duo from Mumbai, weave narratives of light and shadow through their intricate papercut creations. Their artistic journey, which began as an experiment in 2010, has blossomed into a globally recognized style, dazzling audiences with its unique blend of paper and light.
Their story itself mirrors the elements they utilise. Having previously resided in Denver, they relocated to India in 2014. This geographical shift marked a period of exploration, where they traversed across Asia and Europe, meticulously collecting inspirations and stories that would later find expression in their art. This insatiable curiosity to gather narratives is central to their artistic philosophy. They are storytellers at heart, and their meticulously crafted papercut light boxes serve as luminous portals into these narratives.
The allure of paper as their primary medium is deeply intentional. As they themselves express, "Paper is brutal in its simplicity as a medium". This very simplicity, they believe, demands the artist's complete focus while simultaneously offering a delicate pliability that allows for the creation of exquisite beauty. Paper, in their hands, transcends its basic form, becoming a canvas capable of playful whimsy, profound depth, and entrancing illusions. Its versatility allows them to explore minimalism and intricate detail with equal mastery. Light, then, acts as the transformative element, breathing life into their paper creations. It reflects off meticulously layered papercuts, creating a fascinating interplay of shadows and illumination, drawing the viewer into the very heart of the story.
Their artistic excellence has garnered them well-deserved recognition. They have been featured in a plethora of prestigious publications, including Colossal, Juxtapoz, and Hi-Fructose. Their work has gone beyond the boundaries of physical exhibitions, finding space in publications like Paper Play and The World of Paper Art. Their talent has propelled them onto the international art scene, with nominations for the Shorty Awards in Art and Social Media.
On top of being experts in the medium of paper and light, they are accomplished muralists, their vibrant creations adorning walls across continents. They hold the distinction of having painted one of the largest murals in Denver, a colossal 125ft masterpiece for New Belgium Brewing. Their artistic influence has touched the lives of young minds as well. Their Globeville mural, commissioned by the Denver Urban Arts Funds, was voted the Best New Mural in Denver in 2014. Further demonstrating their commitment to fostering creativity, they conducted an art workshop at Kalpanadham, a rural village school run by the NGO Gram Vikas, culminating in the creation of a mural by the local children.
For readers who wish to delve deeper into the world conjured by Hari & Deepti, their talents extend beyond the gallery. Their children's book, titled 'The Seekers' is a stunning debut that showcases their intricate papercut art in a whole new light. The story follows Mio and Nao, two brave adventurers who embark on a quest to save their village, encountering fantastical creatures from their childhood legends along the way. There is another children's picture in the works, keeping everyone anticipated.
Hari & Deepti's artistic repertoire is built with a deep appreciation for storytelling, meticulous attention to detail, and a masterful skill of light and paper.
Check out their work here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
Pen To Paper: Here's Why More & More Indians Are Embracing Journaling
An Indian Brand That Makes Sustainable & Affordable Stationery From Scrap Paper