Maitrry P Shah, an award-winning and internationally recognized contemporary Indian artist, has captivated audiences with her expressive and imaginative paintings. With a deeply contemporary style, she has carved a niche for herself in the art world. Born on April 11, 1987, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Maitrry discovered her passion for painting at a young age, immersing herself in the beauty of nature. As she delved into the world of art and artists through books, her parents provided unwavering support and encouragement, fueling her determination to create her own world with colors and brushes.
Maitrry’s artistic journey began during her studies, as she started creating paintings and participating in various art competitions. At the tender age of 12, she received her first international accolade, the “Silver Medal,” in the 10th Kanagawa Biennial World Art Competition held in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan in 1999. This early recognition cemented her passion for art and marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that continues to this day.
Despite her brilliance in academics, Maitrry’s love for art never waned. She excelled in her studies and achieved third place in the Gandhinagar center of the Gujarat Board during her 10th standard examinations in 2002. Balancing her academic pursuits and artistic endeavors, she pursued a degree in Computer Engineering from Vishwakarma Government Engineering College in Ahmedabad in 2008. She further honed her skills by completing a Master’s in Software Engineering from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. While working in renowned IT companies, Maitrry’s passion for art remained unwavering, and she continued to explore and expand her artistic horizons.
In 2013, Maitrry’s journey took her to the United States, where she visited esteemed art galleries such as the National Gallery of Art in Washington, MoMA in New York, and the Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art in Charlotte. Inspired by these experiences, she began showcasing her artwork through solo and group exhibitions. Her paintings found their place in numerous national and international art exhibitions, earning her three international awards, including ten gold medals, two silver medals, and one silver crown in national competitions, as well as six state-level awards and certifications.
Maitrry is renowned for her expressive paintings, which she creates using various mediums such as oil, acrylic, oil pastels, and mixed media. Her artistic style is deeply contemporary, and her work resonates with human emotions, particularly those of women. Love, happiness, despair, and sadness are among the emotions vividly portrayed in her artwork, which is often described as soul-touching. Maitrry’s brushstrokes convey a youthful exuberance and wide-eyed optimism, reflecting her keen eye for detail and a tactile understanding of expressions. Through her paintings, she skillfully highlights the special beauty that lies within the presence of emotions in women. Using acrylic and oil, Maitrry infuses her figures with vitality and fluidity of motion, capturing even the subtlest of wrinkles. By incorporating mixed media techniques, she adds realistic textures to her paintings, setting them apart from others. These textures enhance the meaning and depth of her artwork, while solid strokes with varying intensities lend a unique quality to her creations.
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Maitrry actively participates in fundraising charity art shows organized by numerous NGOs and charitable trusts. These initiatives aim to support underprivileged women, child rights, and organizations advocating for the deaf and dumb community. Additionally, Maitrry generously shares her knowledge and expertise by providing free art lessons to children
