Meet Kavi, an Artist at Spectrum Miami This Year

Artist and Floridian, Kavi, To Debut at Spectrum Miami 2018 as Rising Artist

(Miami, FL—October 25, 2018) – Daytona Beach, Florida-based artist Kavi is poised to take Miami Art Week by storm, showing her new multi-media works at Spectrum Miami as one of their specially selected Rising Artists. Now in its eighth year, Spectrum Miami is scheduled from Wednesday, December 5 through Sunday, December 9, at Mana Wynwood (2217 NW 5^th Avenue, Miami, FL 33127).

Growing up, the now-33-year old artist never felt at home no matter where she resided.  Kavi explores her diverse background and her upbringing as a Bombay-born, California-raised youth with Indian parents in her depictions, which also speak to a newfound confidence in her sense of self.

Her works are united by their use of different media—incorporating photography colored with watercolor, ink, or acrylic and embellished with materials such as glass, paper collage, and resin. Modern-day ruminations on the multicultural identity of the artist, the works first read as cryptic dreamscapes but layers of meaning soon unfold.

In several works, the artist appropriates imagery of women in the Indian community that she has encountered through social media, layering the works with painting in hues both muted and vibrant. The figures function as muses to the artist, embodying positivity, community, and cultural awareness.

Of I AM Kavi notes, “It symbolizes that regardless of what anyone says around you, all that matters is that you know who you are.” In other works, unicorns take center-stage. “The unicorn represents the dream of making it in this country,” explains the artist, noting that those canvases with two unicorns portray a cultural divide and Kavi’s sense of confusion over where she belongs.

 About the Artist:

Inspired by the eloquent and lively music of the 1960’s and its efficacious voice for Cultural Revolution, and her own heritage as a Bombay-born transplant to America, Kavi began her artistic career in 2003 as a California teenager.

In 2017, she decided she was ready to share her creative vision and start telling her story. Now at 33-years old, she has developed a distinctive style that involves a multi-layered approach, giving her the ability to encapsulate political phrases and poetry into each of her stunning pieces. Her mixed-media art is unpredictable and possesses its own energy. Kavi’s dedication and talent have allowed her to excel as an artist, creating pieces that have generated great interest among collectors and gallerists alike.

The artist is currently at work on an expansive 15-foot-wide mural gracing the entrance of the new Bombay-inspired restaurant Gupshup in New York’s Gramercy neighborhood.

Kavi lives in Daytona Beach, Florida with her husband and two children. Kavi sits on the board of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, and is also part of the organization Art in the Alley Daytona, which is revitalizing the downtown with murals.

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Interview with Kavi

After learning a bit about Kavi, I asked her a few questions. They are paired with her answers below!

1. Can you expand on your current mural or creation of past murals? 

I recently completed a mural for Gupshup, a restaurant in New York’s Union Square neighborhood. One of my inspirations for the work was a photo taken for the Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The image showed a model wearing one of his outfits and posing similarly to the woman in my work. The shot really spoke to me, so I recreated this photo and began illustrating it and adding my own twist.

One thing I particularly loved was the woman’s pose. In a conservative Indian culture like the one I grew up around, this pose isn’t proper and is even slightly controversial. Hidden in the hair of the figure, I’ve painted the following words: “Justice for all women around the world. Let the movement change you.” This piece was meant to empower women. Dress how you want, sit how you want, and do not live your life with the fear of constantly being taken advantage of or judged. The world can be so cruel. While I wish we could all see it through the rose-colored glasses that the woman I drew is wearing, that’s not reality. That said, we can change things. Now is the time as women to have our voices heard more than ever.

2. What is your favorite kind of art project to make/what type of creation have you made most?

Definitely mixed-media collage—I enjoy the process of incorporating photography, painting, and poetry into my drawings to create finished pieces. I also love to find random gems from travels and discover vintage photography, which I can then recreate in modern ways

3. Are your children artistic?

Yes, they both adore art. My oldest will be 6 this month, and he loves creating constantly. My other child, at 4, is still quite young but I believe in cultivating an appreciation for art and culture from the earliest age.

4. How does your artistic involvement shape their development?

I have a space within my studio designated for them. I love giving them the freedom to explore different mediums. I try to encourage acceptance if something doesn’t get cut perfectly, or if paint splatters all over their drawing. It’s funny how innately they try to make sure everything is perfect—if something spills, they can get so upset. Nothing is perfect though, and that’s my favorite part about art. I try to tell them that sometimes mistakes happen, and it’s how we handle them that matters most. Art instills a lot of life lessons.

 5.How long have you exhibited at Spectrum Miami and if before, what do you like about the event?

 Last year, I went as a spectator and loved the vibe of the entire fair—such a great variety of mediums, and so fun and vibrant! I’m thrilled to be returning as a participant this time around.

6. Where do you hope your art career goes from where it is now?

I hope to have more gallery exhibitions lined up next year. I would also be up for collaborating with a designer. To see my art on shoes or scarves would be a thrill!

Find Kavi’s website here: https://www.iamkavi.com

Find Kavi’s Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/iamkavikavi/