Bhaval Shah Bell - Philadelphia Artist

Bhaval Shah Bell

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Of Indian origin, I was born in Nairobi in 1974. I lived in Kenya until I was 19, in England until I was 27, and have lived and worked in the United States ever since. I currently paint from my studio in central Philadelphia.

In my atlas paintings, I explore maps as shapes and use these shapes to create fluid images. People everywhere connect deeply with where they are from, giving them a true sense of identity. Similarly, maps of countries can have significant meaning for individuals – whether it is the country you came from or a country you visited and have fond memories of. I like the fact that often, shapes of countries can be unrecognizable and abstract to the general public, but only recognizable to the owner. Conversely, a well recognized country like Great Britain for example, can have a iconic feel. With such countries, I like to play around with their orientation, to create a little abstraction.

I love working with bright vivid colors but strive to make the colors mean something either to the owner or to myself – what does that country evoke in me? I paint all sizes, but larger format sizes give a real sense of movement and awe of that country. I am inspired by the use of size and color by great modern America painters such as Rosenquest and Thiebaud.