Shilpa Mayenkar Naik is a visual artist. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (painting) from the Goa College of Art, Panaji, in 2001. Two years later, she received her Master’s degree in the same from the S.N. School of Fine Arts at Hyderabad Central University.

Speaking about her work, the artist notes: “Nature and insects, in particular ants, have been my source of inspiration. I try to capture the interaction of the insects among themselves, their dialogues, etc. My observation of these creatures is not restricted to just the visual. As I find myself most comfortable using the insect form, they have become my ‘form’ both as a ‘structure’ as well as means of expression.” She continues, “In my ant series one can see ants involved in their work, and how their ways of working create different forms. For example, you may see a line on the wall from a distance, and as you go closer you see the line is made up of ants. My ant series is based on this abstract idea. I mostly use pen and ink, and watercolor for my drawings, as with these mediums my forms get the desired effect which I need to express my thoughts.”

Naik’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions, including those at the Tamarind Art Gallery, Goa, in 2009; ‘A Spectrum of Epiphanies’ at Arushi Arts, New Delhi, in 2007; ‘Women’s World’ at Art Chamber, Calangute, in 2007; and ‘Once up on time…’ at Fundacao Orient, Panaji, the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2004-05. Amongst the honours she has received are three Goa State Lalit Kala Akademi Awards in 2004, 2004 and 2005; and a Junior Scholarship for Visual Arts from the Human Resources Department, in 2004 and 2006.