About
Vicky Talwar is an interdisciplinary artist who draws upon her personal experience as a Hindu Canadian to produce painting, mixed media, performance, and installation artworks.
Talwar holds a BFA and MFA in Art, Media, & Design from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCADU), as well as a Bachelor of Education from York University. Talwar serves as an educator with the York Region District School Board and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally in Toronto, Canmore, Los Angeles, New York, the United Kingdom, and more. In completing her MFA at OCADU, Talwar exhibited her solo thesis exhibition, Inward Identities, at Latcham Arts Centre. Vicky recently had solo exhibitions at Aurora Cultural Centre in Aurora, Ontario, Station Gallery in Whitby, Ontario, and Robert Langen Gallery in Waterloo, Ontario. In 2017, she was awarded the Juror’s Award for the Annual Juried Exhibition by Latcham Art Centre. Most recently, one of Talwar’s paintings has been acquired for international display by Global Affairs Canada for their Visual Art Collection. Additionally, one of her paintings has also been acquired in a permanent collection at the Royal Victoria Hospital and Capital One Office in Toronto.
Artist Statement: Vicky Talwar
In my artistic endeavors, I navigate the intricate dance of my dual identity - as a Hindu Canadian. My work is not just a form of expression but a dialogue between the vivid heritage of South Asian culture and the diverse, inclusive ethos of Canada. It's a journey of self-exploration, a quest to understand and articulate my place in a world that is both richly traditional and dynamically modern.
My art is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural imprints of my upbringing. I see my canvas as a sacred space where memories, teachings, and experiences converge. Using a palette that's as varied as my experiences, I aim to evoke not just visual pleasure but a deeper, more visceral reaction. I believe that art has the power to transcend mere aesthetics, touching souls and opening minds.
I employ a variety of mediums – from traditional paintings to mixed media and sound installations. Each medium allows me to explore different facets of my identity and express the nuances of my cultural narrative. My artistic process is a blend of intuitive exploration and deliberate technique, a balance that reflects my own journey through life.
The themes of my work – cultural hybridity, movement, displacement, and memory – are universal in their specificity. Through my art, I aim to bridge the gap between personal and collective experiences, inviting viewers to find parts of their own stories mirrored in mine. It's an invitation to a shared journey of discovery, a celebration of our interconnectedness despite apparent differences.
In every brushstroke, in every note of my sound installations, there is an alignment with my soul, a moment of truth that I share with the world. It's a testament to the beauty and complexity of our shared human experience, a narrative woven from threads of color, sound, and emotion.
Welcome to my world, where each piece of art is not just a creation but a piece of my story, an invitation to explore the depths of identity and connection.