ARTIST BIO

Kamaldeep Kaur (KD)

Kamaldeep Kaur, born in India and now based in Canada, explores art as a deep connection to self and surroundings. Initially pursuing actuarial science, her childhood dream of becoming an artist was reignited in 2014 when a mentor inspired her to follow her passion. Over a decade, Kamaldeep transitioned from mixed media to traditional techniques, using gouache and natural pigments on Wasli paper. She has exhibited in 40+ shows across India, Canada, and Germany, with recent highlights including the Artist Project 2024-2025 and TOAF 2023. She also has received grants from the Ontario Art Council. She got nominated for 2025 City of Hamilton Arts Award. Her work reflects universal emotions, blending cultural roots with new experiences in a vibrant dialogue.

Artist Statement:

My work explores the self and surroundings; I form an ongoing dialogue between inner experiences and the external world. I have traversed a considerable distance in my practice to now create conceptual art. This evolution is epitomized by my series, “Illusion of Time,” where I explore the…

universal longing to travel through time and alter past decisions. The female character, who initially had no face but gradually – develops features, represents an aspect of myself. She travels back to her past to tell others that she is not weird, but unique. She expresses her own identity and her own way of looking at life.

I use gouache and natural pigment colours on Wasli or watercolour paper, embracing traditional (Indian) techniques. The visual language of this series employs monochrome tones—black and white, ochre, and old texture—juxtaposed with vibrant colours that represent the character as a beacon of the future. This contrast creates a dramatic, illustrated storytelling experience. As the series progresses, the character endeavors to bring loved ones from her past into the present, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy begin to blur.

My work continues to delve deeper into the dichotomy between reality and fantasy. My character navigates two worlds: one steeped in the motifs and styles of Rajasthani miniature art, and the other grounded in her dreamy reality. Through this exploration, I draw inspiration from nature and my own perceptions, resulting in artworks that reflect feelings of beauty, confidence, and inner peace. Ultimately, my work invites viewers to see the world through a more cultural lens, celebrating the intricate dance between our dreams and reality.

Artist image: credit Alex Usquiano

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