ARTIST STATEMENT

Simi Mahtani’s artwork is focused on restoring the connection and awareness between humans and the single-use packaging materials surrounding them. She aims to imagine a world where we find energy in repurposing waste, instead of sending it to overflowing landfills. Pouring energy into found objects that someone else considered garbage to amplify its potential is an incremental change to its original purpose which she hopes will better the viewer's state of mind as they experience it and challenge their expectation of permanence and temporality.

When creating art from post-consumer materials, there is a shift in perspective from labeling something as garbage to recognizing its possibility. Mahtani constantly searches for ways to manipulate ordinary materials and find new forms within them. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with the objects in the world around them by immersing themselves in the artwork.

Mahtani’s artwork often incorporates papier-mâché as a key element. She finds papier-mâché fascinating because it is a tactile art form with a rich history, however, in our modern digital age we lack genuine touch and connection. Papier-mâché showcases the delicate beauty of the human touch with its visible layers adding texture for the paint to sit upon.

BIOGRAPHY

Simi Mahtani (b. 1988 New York City) is a multidisciplinary designer and visual artist currently developing work in her Brooklyn studio. Formally trained in Fine Art and Graphic Design with a BFA from Syracuse University, she is also a freelance art director for brands and companies, well versed in creating physical artwork installations ranging from large-scale murals, custom wallpapers, neons, and other unique endeavors. In addition to her artwork practice, Simi Mahtani has experience curating artwork for spaces and organizing group shows.

In Summer 2023 Simi Mahtani debuted her first solo show at The Hox Gallery at The Hoxton Hotel in Brooklyn. Her second solo show is on view at The Yard in Brooklyn from April to June 2024.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

GROUP: SANCTUARY, Gallerie Shibumi, Exhibitor, NYC 2024
SOLO: The Yard Williamsburg, Curator & Exhibitor, NYC 2024
GROUP: Greenpoint Gallery, Exhibitor, NYC 2023
SOLO: The Hox Gallery, The Hoxton Hotel, Exhibitor, NYC 2023
GROUP: Maison Ten, Exhibitor, NYC 2023
GROUP: LES FEMMES, Maison Ten, Exhibitor, NY 2022
GROUP: Mitosis, Group Art Show, Exhibitor, NYC 2019-2020
GROUP: NightShift Pop-Up Gallery, Curator & Exhibitor, NYC 2019

PRESS

Maker Magazine, Issue 1, Featured Artist, 2024
What’s On at The Hoxton, The Hox Gallery, Featured Artist, 2023
On View: In The Studio With Simi Mahtani, Canvas & Cassette, 2021
Femme Art Review, Featured Artist, 2020
Design Calendar, Women in Design, Featured Artist, 2019
Working Not Working, 12 Female Artists, Tired of Waiting, Are Hosting Their Own Gallery Show, 2019