Shreeja Rajan
Shreeja Rajan is a Toronto based artist whose work explores femininity, self-discovery, whimsy with an influence of her Indian heritage. Drawing from her background in Fashion and Textile Design, she combines female figures with Indian folk-art inspired patterns and colours. Her paintings celebrate women in their quiet moments of introspection, creating spaces where identity and imagination intertwine.
Education:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Textile Design
Fashion Illustration Studies as part of the Diploma Curriculum
Exhibitions:
2024
Seeing Green - Artist Network
Holiday Smalls Artist Network
2025
Think Pink - Artist Network
Summer Show - Blue Crow Gallery
2026
Riverdale Artwalk
Summer Show - Blue Crow Gallery
Artist Statement
My work is a heartfelt return to the wonder and imagination that shaped me as a child. I’ve always been drawn to the magic of Alice in Wonderland - especially her whimsy, her independence, and her quiet bravery. To me, "whimsy" isn't an escape from the real world; it is a tool that helps us navigate the challenges of being an adult. Through my art, I am reclaiming that sense of wonder.
The style of my work comes from a lifelong love for the female form and the flow of hand-drawn patterns. These designs lived in the margins of my notebooks for years as a private way to express myself before they ever hit a canvas. Today, my background in fashion and Indian textiles plays a huge role in my art. The intricate borders and patterns are a tribute to the beautiful storytelling found in Indian textiles and craftsmanship. By mixing these cultural roots with modern figures, I show the blend between my heritage and who I am today.
At the heart of my collection is a celebration of women in their most free and relaxed moments. I paint women when they are "unobserved" - not defined by their roles as wives or mothers, but simply existing as themselves. Often, these figures are mirrored reflections of one another. It conveys that we are never truly alone when we enjoy our own company. I believe that only by spending time with yourself can you truly know and love every version of who you are.
Using a palette of vibrant colors and relaxed settings, I try to capture a version of femininity that is both carefree and strong. As a woman making art about women, I am interested in portraying self-discovery, solitude, curiosity and leisure.