Dr. Vasu Tolia
Healing Through Art: A Physician-Artist’s Perspective
Email: artistvtolia@gmail.com
Website: www.vasutolia.art
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vasutolia
Instagram - @toliavasu
Linked in - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasundhara-tolia-79695a34/
Artist Statement
Art has been a transformative force in my life, bridging the gap between science and creativity. As a physician-artist, I explore themes of healing, resilience, and human connection through my work. My artistic practice aligns with your mission by fostering meaningful engagement with the community through storytelling and design. Through my paintings, I seek to capture the unseen emotional landscapes of individuals, illustrating the profound connections between body, mind, and spirit.
-Dr. Vasu Tolia
WORKS
ABSTRACT
Celestial Dance
I show the ethereal beauty of the cosmos to reflect on the vast, awe-inspiring universe that surrounds us, reminding us of the beauty and mystery that exists beyond our earthly confines—a dance of stars and galaxies that resonates with the rhythm of our deepest dreams.
Size (h w): 20” x 24”
Chromatic Convergence
By juxtaposing intense colors with subtle blends, this piece examines the ways in which colors interact and influence our feelings and perceptions. It stands as a metaphor for the diverse spectrum of human emotions and the beauty that arises when these feelings come together in harmony, suggesting a vibrant tapestry of human experience.
Size (h w): 30” x 20”
ENTANGLED
This painting is an abstract composition featuring a vibrant array of colors and shapes. It appears to be an oil or acrylic painting on canvas. The artwork is dominated by a central figure that resembles a stylized, almost cubist interpretation of a person or creature.
Size (h w): 30” x 30”
Through the Lens
This captivating painting is in mixed media with the circular part raised in complementary and analogous colors.
Size (h w): 24” x 20”
Silent voices
A painting depicting unheard voices that speak silently about what they are enduring as with human trafficking. They are being liberated by breaking through walls; of traditions, impositions by the society and/or abuse of any kind.
Size (h w): 18” x 24”
In the midst of life
I captured the chaotic, vibrant essence of everyday existence, with abstract forms and splashes of color that evoke movement and interaction. This artwork portrays life's frantic pace and the impressions we gather along the way, celebrating the beauty of daily living.
Size (h w): 16” x 20”
Seeking identity- Acrylic
Racial violence related events inspired me to make this painting to convey that humanity should be above the color of the skin. I show a woman with half dark and half light colored face to emphasize this reality of life. I have deliberately made the face abstract.
Size (h w): 20.00" x 16.00"
Twilight Tidbits
Fisherman cooking on Lake Inle as I witnessed during my trip to East Asia after sunset. Lantern, fishing net and the fire on their little boat remind us of their challenges in life.
Size (h w): 30” x 36”
Determined
A woman standing confidently with a geometric background of lines emanates powerful vibes from her abstracted silhouette with oblique stripes in red and beige. She's balancing on circles and behind her are ovals. Beautiful, bright colors give a sparkling look and meaning to this artwork which represents empowerment of women.
Size (h w): 30” x 24”
Friends forever
With the decrease in pollution during pandemic, earth and sky are happy to see the real version of themselves. A metaphor for friendship, respect for the environment.
Size (h w): 48” x 36”
AWARD WINNER
Vigilant
I painted a colorful leopard sitting in a meadow, just like the one I had seen in a meadow in Kenya. He was super alert and looked ready to catch its prey when seen or to flee if tourists came too close.
Size (h w): 18.00" x 24.00"
Waves of change 3
A bright landscape showing transitions in sky and water, made with 3x3" collages of board on black canvas.
Size (h w): 12” x 24”
Dreamscape
This represents an abstract visualization of the boundless landscapes of dreams, where colors and forms blend into a tapestry of imagination and wonder.
Size (h w): 30” x 20”
Humanitarians
"Humanitarians" is an abstract mixed-media painting that conveys themes of unity, diversity, and hope. The artwork features a collection of human-like figures in various shapes, colors, and textures, blending into one another, symbolizing interconnectedness and collective support.
Size (h w): 24” x 30”
Look into my Eyes
This mixed media painting invites the viewer to make a connection through the eyes. To see what these pains of eyes are noticing. Implies a sense of closeness and intimacy with the subject. And makes you wonder about the little figure on top that seems to be very thoughtful and awed by whatever is being observed.
Size (h w): 30” x 24”
Trivial Pursuits
This is a new abstract piece on a beige background with dots and spheres in shades of blue, orange, mauve and zig-zag lines, triangles and pentagons creating an illusion of drifting away, a happy painting.
Size (h w): 18.00" x 24.00"
JOY
This playful painting is made to depict joyful state of mind, makes you feel good to see this colorful painting.
Size (h w): 24.00" x 36.00"
WORKS
FIGURES
Seekers
This is an abstract rendition of a group of people who are looking for better lives, opportunities and goals in their lives. I have purposely left them generic, because here, the message rather than gender is the key factor.
Size (h w): 30” x 48”
Captain
A young woman in a hat looks like a captain of a team, green hat is symbolic her being both in charge and considerate. Again a creation using handmade paper on canvas.
Size (h w): 20.00" x 16.00"
Miss you
This was inspired by all the lives lost and empty chairs being mourned in isolation for the departed and the agony of those who deal with the loss of loved ones.
Size (h w): 30.00" x 24.00"
WORKS
NATURE
Waves of change 1
This is a collage of small 3x3" boards on a black canvas suggesting color changes in the sky and water during the day.
Size (h w): 11” x 14”
Waves of change 4
A panel of small 5 3x5" boards showing transitions of colors in sky and trees.
Size (h w): 12” x 24”
The Wild ones
Imagine several different faces, eyes or whatever you can find in this artwork. It has dark spaces and pastels to rest on.
Size (h w): 24.00" x 18.00"
Vibrant
A playful artwork in shapes and lines with rounds and ovals popping out creates a very energetic, and vigorous sensation. It uplifts with a vitality that is infectious. Bold and subtle colors enhance the overall lively effect.
Size (h w): 24.00" x 30.00"
Time for a Change
My purpose is to capture the dynamic spirit of transformation through bold, swirling colors and disruptive patterns. It reflects the inevitable shifts that occur during personal growth by using materials like shells to suggest different facets of life.
Size (h w): 18” x 24”
Walking meditation
I show a man in walking meditation, yet radiating energy and calm as he strides. I hint of him being on a beach, all alone, peaceful and purposeful. This is done with gold leaf and acrylic.
Size (h w): 40.00" x 18.00"
Confident
An abstracted woman figure with an attitude is shown against an abstract background of circles, ovals, waves and lines. She is shown in contrasting stripes against this standing confidently.
Size (h w): 30” x 24”
An Elusive Woman
I depict a serene figure who is gently blended with her surroundings, conveying a sense of introspection and dreamlike calm. The warm, flowing colors cascade down her form to merge with the abstract background, creating an image that is both intimate and elusive, making her a part of an intangible, larger world.
AWARD WINNER
Size (h w ): 30” x 24”
Protect me - Mixed Media
This represents the agony of the victims of human trafficking and/or abused women all over the world. The situation could be also similar to when children were separated from parents at the US - Mexico border.
Size (h w): 18.00" x 24.00"
Waves of change 2
A bright landscape showing transitions in sky and water, made with 3x3" collages of board on black canvas.
Size (h w): 11” x 14”
TREE of LIFE 3 - Mixed Media
This is the third one of a series of tree paintings with different colored flowers and backgrounds. This is in vibrant yellow, red and green. I called this invigorating and imaginative series Tree of Life.
Size (h w): 20.00" x 20.00"
About the Artist
My journey as a physician-artist has been shaped by my experiences in the medical field and my deep passion for creative expression. Through my artwork, I strive to evoke emotion, foster dialogue, and inspire healing. Combining my knowledge of human anatomy with an artistic lens, I aim to create visuals that speak to the universality of human experience. My art is not just a personal pursuit but also a medium to encourage reflection, empathy, and conversation in the community.
I have had the privilege of showcasing my work in various exhibitions and receiving recognition for its unique perspective. Whether through abstract compositions or figurative works, I am committed to pushing creative boundaries while staying rooted in the healing nature of artistic expression.
THANK YOU!
for considering my work for your esteemed gallery. I welcome any opportunity to discuss my artistic vision further and explore how my work can also add to your other beautiful collections. My goal is to create pieces that resonate with audiences, spark meaningful discussions, and inspire healing through visual storytelling.
I am always open to collaborations, exhibitions, and projects that align with my passion for art and medicine. If my work speaks to you, I would love to connect and explore opportunities to bring these creative ideas to life.
Please feel free to reach out via email or visit my website for more insights into my artistic journey. Let’s create something impactful together!