Poonam

Poonam Sharma is a contemporary visual artist & muralist. She grew up in India, where she learnt various folk & tribal art forms and explored contemporary styles in Canada through various community art projects. Poonam started connecting with the communities very quickly. She has painted 25+ Murals around Toronto GTA (Scarborough, Milton, Burlington, Toronto Junction, Cabbagetown, St James Town, North York). In her paintings and murals, she blends various art forms to create a unique expression and enhance the significance of art forms passed through several generations.

RangRiva is the name that she gave to her Art practice which involves consultation and connection with the community. Poonam has a deep connection with various neighbourhoods and active arts communities. She has learnt her traditional art forms and values the knowledge passed through generations. Based on community consultation, She creates a fusion of ideas with a backdrop of intricate folk art. Combining art forms adds a uniqueness to her murals and She feels that they represent a diversity of cultures. She has been involved in many community consultations, which truly shapes the mural and adds character. It's extremely essential to hear neighbours’ ideas and design the mural as visualized by the community members. She always seeks to create an uplifting design which brings positivity and depicts people from a variety of backgrounds, professions and histories. The folk art adds in the graphic background to reinforce the idea that we are all interconnected and that the strong spirits of people are integral to the health, happiness and success of our communities. To celebrate every culture, and continue to grow with care & forethought.

Throughout her Mural painting journey, the one thing She has learnt is that a mural may be an artist's art style but it actually is the image of that community. Each Mural is unique and talks about the people who live there and see it every day. She believes that ‘a painting belongs to the artist however, a mural belongs to that community which is only fair as they see that wall every day.’ Thus all her artworks are designed with community consultants and inspired by the neighborhood. She is a community animator who tries to bring people together to engage in the creative process. She has painted 25+ Murals all across GTA and believes in working closely with community members.