Vapid by Shaytvan

3x4 ft, acrylic on canvas

About the painting // 

Vapid is a romanticisation of the less. Mockery of us trying to search for more in ‘nothing’. It's not about love, it is about the imposter, with no fault of their own, reminds us of love. Vapid is about being in love with the idea of being 'In Love". These relationships that one has with one’s own insecurities, with their partner as a spectator. This Love for being in love, birthed from a fortuitous foundation constructed over a lifetime of feelings. From the sexual tension between elbows scraping across the school desk during the second consecutive math class, the quick kisses stolen behind the autorickshaws outside the after-school coaching, the naive love. To the kind that redefines the world, the kind which makes your priorities morph, where heartbreak feels like death, mourning what you once were. Vapid is not about that love, it's about recreating that feeling from a distance of assurance. 

 The overused yet simple iconography, colours imploding into each other, the flames dancing like a mating bird, lit by desire for more. Vapid is a part of “Ugly Phase” where the audience’s perspective and expectations are to be the subject of the painting itself.  

About the artist//

Shaytvan is an Artist, illustrator and art director based in Hyderabad, India. His work encompasses a diverse range of themes, including mental health, mythology, pop culture, social stigmas, and music. He is recognised for his intricate and authentic artistic style, often conveying compelling narratives through his illustrations. Shaytvan’s portfolio showcases his versatility, especially with sculpting and animation. His work often features a character called ‘Monkey’, a multi-limbed primate who is a self insert of Shaytvan. Monkey represents the current status of how the artist views himself. Currently in his most experimental phase, working on different mediums, he is exploring the limitations of still image narration. Calling it his “Ugly Phase”, where the work reflects what people expect a painting to be, what is considered aesthetically pleasing, being flipped to mean the opposite.

In a 2020 interview on the "Talk Design To Me!" podcast, Shay discussed his artistic journey, influences, and perspectives on working with clients. He emphasized the importance of storytelling in art and shared insights into his creative process.  He continues to explore complex themes through his art, aiming to provoke thought and engage viewers with his unique visual narratives.