Appaloosa Public Gallery

Shachi Kale debuts a new series of paintings that address her journey after marriage, from Mumbai, India, to Chandler, Arizona, through the lens of fairytales—the lonely and difficult parts, before the princess gets her “ever after.” These rich watercolors have the detailed allegorical feel of Indian miniature art, with a modern twist.

Through this exhibition, Kale tells her heroine’s journey: fighting her fears, dealing with loneliness, and a loss of identity as she learns to negotiate her new life in Arizona. From learning to drive to bringing up her two boys far away from her parents and extended family, Kale’s story is presented to us as a modern fairytale with all the classic elements of dragons, forests, and fairy godmothers. Her depictions of the female form are both autobiographical and universal to women grappling with their place in the world.

Kale is a visual storyteller, graphic designer, and children’s book illustrator, using watercolors, acrylics, embroidery, and digital arts. She is fascinated by folk art from around the world and the use of flat colors, simple perspective, and storytelling that they employ. She is also influenced by Indian miniature art and the patterns and decorative elements used in them. The vibrant and rich colors of her palette are a legacy of her Indian heritage, and the narrative elements, an influence from her work as a children’s book illustrator.

She and her husband moved from Mumbai, India, to California in January 2001. Shortly after that move, they relocated to Arizona, where they still live. Her art was recently selected to be used on all printed and commemorative materials for the 2019 Governor’s Arts Awards. For more about the artist, visit ShachiKale.com or follow her on Instagram: @shachidreams.

Before Ever After: My American Fairytale is on view through August 30, 2019, at the Appaloosa Public Gallery, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.