Neeti Aggarwal: Painting as Meditation and a Journey of Self-Discovery

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

For artist Neeti Aggarwal, painting, besides being a passion since childhood, is akin to meditation. The Haridwar-born artist, who recently showcased her work at the Convention Foyer, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, believes art is a way to rediscover herself. “Creating art gives me immense personal gratification. I don’t paint to be an artist; I paint just because I love doing it,” she says.

From Finance to Fine Arts

“Though I loved art since childhood and used to dabble in sketching regularly, I had never thought of taking it up professionally,” shares Neeti, who now lives in Gurugram with her investment banker husband and two sons.

Growing up in a family where her father’s transferable job took her across cities, she absorbed diverse cultures from different parts of India. After graduating from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University, she pursued an MBA in Finance and went on to work as a research analyst at The Economic Times for five years.

Life took a turn in 2000 when she moved to Singapore. “That’s when I took a break from work and reconnected with my love for art,” she recalls. While she continued her professional education by completing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course, she also began sketching and painting more seriously, attending workshops to hone her skills.

A Conscious Turn Towards Art

By 2007, back in Delhi, Neeti had begun creating original artworks regularly. Yet, she felt the need for formal training. “I enrolled in a three-year diploma in fine arts. It was a significant value-add,” she says, crediting her teachers and peers for shaping her journey.

For the past several years, she has been consistently exhibiting her work. She also acknowledges her mother’s influence, particularly in developing her sense of colour and appreciation for art.

Inspiration, Process, and Artistic Voice

When asked about inspiration, Neeti reflects, “There is no one person. I started learning art late, purely out of passion, without any specific goal of becoming an artist.” She credits her teacher, Mr Prithviwasi, for helping her refine her skills.

Her work primarily involves acrylic on canvas, often combined with mixed media to create layers, depth, and interplay of light and colour.

“I try to paint every day, though weekends allow me more time,” she shares. For Neeti, sustaining as an artist is possible, but it requires patience. “Having an alternate source of income gives an artist the freedom to express without the pressure of saleability.”

Art, Spirituality, and Self-Expression

Her recent series, Divyebodh, explored spirituality, though she says she doesn’t consciously infuse it into her work. Interestingly, many viewers still perceive a spiritual essence in her paintings.

“With each painting, I try to express a unique thought—often around love, relationships, self-discovery, and the changing facets of life,” she says. Her compositions often evoke a sense of peace and self-contentment.

The Art Scene in Delhi

Neeti believes Delhi is one of the biggest hubs for art and culture in India, offering numerous platforms for artists. While appreciation for art has grown over the years, she observes a hesitation among many to invest in artworks.

“People may spend on designer clothes without hesitation but think twice before investing in art. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the value art brings,” she notes.

Travel and Creative Influence

Beyond painting, Neeti enjoys reading and travelling. Her journeys across India and abroad have exposed her to diverse cultures and landscapes, which subtly influence her work.

“While my travels inspire me, my art is deeply rooted in Indian values and beliefs,” she concludes.