Swati Palekar
(b. 1975, Mumbai, India.)Swati Palekar is an Indian-born visual folk artist currently based in Singapore, with an interest in endangered Indian Folk/Tribal art. She founded Swayam Folkart in 2012 after a decade-long career in financial services.
Swati specializes in endangered Indian folk and tribal art, whose authenticity is waning in the face of artistic commercialization and a severe lack of cultural awareness. Her work features naturalist, mythological, and spiritual elements that are of personal interest and is influenced by her deep appreciation for India’s rich sociocultural, artistic, and religious heritage.
“To me, painting is a path to finding my “happy place”. I find creating intricate patterns a very peaceful and meditative activity. I aim to spread awareness, preserve and revive Indian folk and tribal art.”
Intrigued by the vibrancy of ethnic South Asian art, her foray into the industry began with her research into the technical elements of ‘Mithila’ art. Swati prides herself on her holistic approach to the study of art, opting to gain a solid grounding in the cultural history and technical peculiarities of her styles of focus. Her current areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, Mithila, Pattachitra, Gond, and Kalamkari art.
Swati is currently studying Indian and Mughal miniature art and loves to keep an eye out for the more esoteric styles of Indian art that haven’t made their way into modern art circles. She currently works out of Goodman Arts Centre, a Singaporean art studio, where she conducts the bulk of her research alongside the occasional educational workshop. Swati supplements her artistic passions with community outreach events, having been invited by local town councils for mural painting and awareness projects. Besides research and community work, she also accepts painting commissions and regularly exhibits her artworks in local and international exhibitions.
Selected Works
90 × 60cm
Acrylic on canvas
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I created this piece to celebrate the Tree of Life—a universal symbol representing the deep interconnectedness of all living beings, nature, and the divine. Executed in the traditional Kalamkaristyle, the composition features an abundance of playful wildlife, stylized birds, and intricate geometric borders. This contemporary folk artwork offers global collectors a highly detailed, tapestry-like focal point that radiates harmony, vitality, and the thriving abundance of the natural world.
60 × 76cm
Acrylic on canvas
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I created this artwork to celebrate Kamadhenu, the sacred cosmic cow of abundance and maternal grace. Showcasing my Maharashtrian heritage, I adorned her human visage with our region's iconic bridal nath and bugadi ear accents, radiating absolute peace and serenity. This painting beautifully blends my cultural roots with a contemporary folk aesthetic, offering global collectors a universal symbol of prosperity and protective energy.
90 × 60cm
Acrylic on canvas
60 × 76cm
Acrylic on canvas
76 × 60cm
Acrylic on canvas
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I created this artwork to portray Lakshmi Ganesha, a divine form representing ultimate prosperity. He sits flanked by his consorts, Riddhi (Wealth) and Siddhi (Spiritual Wisdom). In Indian philosophy, when these powers accompany Ganesha, the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, is fully manifested. Deeply inspired by traditional Kalamkari styling, this contemporary folk piece offers global collectors a universal symbol of balanced abundance, auspicious fortune, and creative flow.
60 × 76cm
Acrylic on canvas
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I created this piece to celebrate Shakti—the universal cosmic energy of divine feminine power. Here, Tulja Bhavani, a deity from my native Maharashtra, India, commands a turbulent storm flanked by guarding golden lions. Wearing traditional Maharashtrian heritage ornaments like the pearl-studded nath and bugadi, her serene face contrasts with her formidable weapons. This modern folk artwork shares my regional roots through a global symbol of courage and resilience.
76 × 60cm
Acrylic on canvas
60 × 76cm
Acrylic on canvas
Selected Exhibitions
2025
Canvas Connections Signature Show, TAG@TPD, Singapore
2024
Artful Expressions exhibition at Visual Arts Centre, Singapore. A Signature show of the art collective Canvas Connections
Summer Sizzle group show at the German Centre Art Gallery, Singapore
2023
Azhage Azhagu Agnaru by Tat Tvam Asi, Arts House, Singapore
‘Soorya Fest’, Singapore
2022
Varnam Art exhibition, Singapore
2019
Freedom & Love International Art Exhibition, Indonesia
2018
The Ganesha Universe Art Exhibition, Singapore
2017
The Bold & the Beautiful Art Exhibition, Singapore
2016
‘Anubhava’ by Tripataka, White House @ Emily Hill, Singapore
Artisan Market 2016 by Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
2015
Tanjong Pagar GRC & Radin Mas SMC IAECS , Singapore
Exhibit & talk on Madhubani Folkart @ Fabindia Singapore
Collections
Swati’s paintings are in private collections in Singapore, India and USA
To enquire about available works, commissions, or institutional loans, please contact us directly. All works are offered with full provenance documentation and a certificate of authenticity.