Maya Shulz and Nitin Ganatra OBE, both immigrants who have shattered boundaries and borders to achieve success have come together in "Beyond Borders" to showcase a fusion of talent and resilience.
From Maya's intricate storytelling to Nitin's transition from screen to brush, the exhibition promises to be a celebration of artistry and perseverance. 'Beyond Borders,' features their unique artistic journeys, creating a captivating dialogue that transcends borders and resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.
Nitin Ganatra OBE, known for his successful career in Film and TV, has now turned his hand to painting, embarking on a journey from camera to canvas. Talking about his background and passion for art, he said, “I have been painting and drawing since childhood; it was my primary form of expression during a period of significant change in my young mind. Born in Kenya and arriving in the UK was a profound shock and a painful adjustment for both me and my family. Racism, bullying, and unfamiliar food forced me to keep my head down and channel my emotions into art, which truly saved my life.
“Then, for about 18 years, I suddenly stopped painting without understanding why. This deep disconnect in my life re-emerged during the lockdown, prompting me to start painting again. Since then, I haven’t stopped. Stories now flow from my pen and paper, and I have found a new career alongside my acting. I hope to achieve as much, if not more, success as an artist as I have in my acting career.”
He feels that having been a professional actor for 30 years, it is inevitable that his paintings have cinematic story elements to it. His unique perspective and diverse experiences are evident in his artistry and he describes this perspective stating, “Much of my work centres around a central character, a boy, who often gazes out over vast spaces with a subtle, emotive undertone. I also like to explore themes of nature and society in relation to the boy's placement within the scenes.
“The feedback I receive has been profoundly moving, as viewers often interpret their own stories through the eyes of the boy. Coming from a storytelling background, I hope you can find your own narratives within my artwork.”
Like Nitin, Maya also has also journeyed from corporate to canvas. This journey is reflected in her dynamic and thought- provoking pieces and she describes this transition as “a decision driven by my deep-rooted connection to art as a source of solace and self-centring.” A personal tragedy involving a dear friend battling bipolar disorder highlighted the profound link between mental health and art for her and using her art training to support her friend during dark times reinforced this connection. “Tragically, her passing in 2021 marked a turning point for me, prompting a shift towards prioritising art as a means of healing and expression”, Maya said.
In the 'Beyond Borders' exhibition, the pieces being showcased by Maya hold deep personal meaning and narratives. “One of the central themes in my work is the exploration of human connection and the breaking down of barriers. I often depict diverse individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, symbolising the beauty of diversity and the universality of human experiences. These pieces aim to transcend borders both literal and metaphorical, highlighting our shared humanity and the power of empathy and understanding”, she said.
Both Nitin and Maya also draw from their experience as immigrants. As a Bengali artist, Maya’s cultural identity and heritage have played a significant role in shaping her artistic journey. “Drawing inspiration from the vibrant traditions and unique elements of Bengali culture, I incorporate them into my paintings in meaningful ways. My cultural identity and heritage have played a significant role in shaping my artistic journey”, she said.
Nitin’s journey as an immigrant has been one of finding a place to fit in, too Indian to be British and too British to be Indian with Africa being another migrant story of dislocation. “This leads to many psychological and spiritual problems on identity and belonging. My art is telling my own personal journey in the search for a place to belong. Which ultimately… is alone”, he said.
