Shadowed seeks to draw attention to the influences and forces outside our consciousness or those we choose not to acknowledge. This exploratory work began with the acknowledgement of the significance of the artist’s heritage, which she denied publicly for most of her life as a means of fitting in to Australian society. Its influence permeates Gelmi’s thoughts and actions and has shaped the person she is. She began to wonder what other influences she does not question, or feels powerless to change, shape her. 

Shadow is used as a metaphor for invisible societal, psychological and environmental forces, which are given an impermanent material expression through abstraction. The movement of light creates dynamic shadow play on the ceiling and walls in an immersive sculptural installation, grounded in the heritage building as a symbol of colonisation. Gelmi also draws attention to and celebrates her heritage through the creation of a series of laser cut drawings in colours synonymous with Indian culture.

Shanti Gelmi uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore the complexities of human connection and identity with a focus on the concealed, intangible elements which direct, manipulate and normalize behaviour in diverse societal structures.  The outcome of Gelmi’s meditative practice of questioning, drawing, cutting and making is a unique visual language representing biological, environmental, cultural, societal and emotional linkages of experience and memory into schemas of existence.    

Gelmi completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts at Edith Cowan University in 2020 and is strengthening her practice through participation in artist residencies and collaboration with other artists.  She has completed several private commissions, is represented in Edith Cowan University’s Art Collection and her work has been exhibited in two National Graduate Exhibitions for 2021 including Hatched: National Graduate Show 2021 at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.