“Nature has always fascinated me — its vastness, its challenging beauty, and its unpredictability,” says Shivani Dugar, the Indian-American artist behind Memory of Time, now on view at The Pierre Hotel in New York. “This series, Memory of Time, is my personal dialogue with the changing light in nature.”
Inside The Pierre Hotel’s storied Two E Lounge, Memory of Time transforms the space into a living gallery—where art, music, and hospitality quietly converge.
For Dugar, the title carries both personal and universal meaning. “It’s all about nature for me,” she says. “This series Memory of Time is like a quiet, personal conversation with the natural world. These are moments in time that I’ve felt, remembered, or even imagined. I’m drawn to how life changes a particular landscape, how time leaves its mark on a place. In these paintings, I’ve created spaces where I’m inviting the viewer to reflect upon moments past and wonder about what’s to come.”
The exhibition coincides with The Pierre’s 95th anniversary, a connection that feels fitting to the artist. “It’s their 95th anniversary, so memory and time work well here,” she notes. “To be showing in a space like The Pierre Hotel — which is a landmark with such rich history — is truly special. It’s also connected to the Taj Group, which again has the most amazing legacy in Indian hospitality. If you visit any Taj property, it’s always exceptional.” “
So it’s an honor, and it adds a deep layer of meaning for me,” she continues. “It’s like a bridge connecting my roots to my current journey as an artist. And actually, I was married at a Taj property — the Taj Exotica in Goa.”
Inspired by early mornings in Central Park, A Sparkling Story reflects Dugar’s fascination with light, memory, and the shifting rhythm of nature.
Now based in New York, Dugar finds inspiration in both nature and city life. “I’ve been painting in New York for many years, and I think my thought process has been shaped by this city. It’s so diverse and full of energy,” she says. “For example, A Sparkling Story came about early one morning when I was running in Central Park. It’s about the dew you see, the colors in the greens — it’s just beautiful in the early morning. I run a lot in Central Park — it’s a big part of many of my paintings. But all of New York has influenced how I paint and think. It’s a wonderful place to be inspired.”
That connection to rhythm and stillness is reflected in how she describes her work. “I actually think of my paintings as a visual pause,” she says. “Something might catch your eye, but what draws you in for a closer look is about the changing rhythms of the day. Morning skies influence me, as do evening skies — and that dreamy time in between. In places like New York or The Pierre, where people are constantly coming and going, I love that my work might create a moment to slow down.”
“Maybe it triggers a memory, reminds you of a place you’ve been, or even where you want to go. If the works can bring even a little sense of curiosity, then I think they’ve done their job.”
Dugar often reflects on how her Indian heritage shapes her approach to art. “In our culture, there’s a tradition of finding the sacred in everyday life — and I think I carry that into my work,” she says. “My paintings are about nature, and nature is sacred to me — a place to connect and reflect. Light is really important in my work. In our culture, light isn’t just visual; it symbolizes clarity, celebration, and spirituality. So all of that ties together.”
“Growing up in India, I was surrounded by vibrant colors, textures, festivals, and traditions — even the landscapes. They all find their way into my palette. Even though the works might not seem overtly Indian, there’s a feeling — an emotional layer. There’s attention to the unseen, a sense of reverence — and that’s definitely there.”
Read more about the exhibition—or inquire about available pieces.
Watch the video below to meet Shivani Dugar and experience Memory of Time as it comes to life inside The Pierre Hotel’s storied Two E Lounge.
