This November, the Livingston Library’s display case showcases the paintings of local artist Urmi Battu.
Urmi is an artist of Indian origin and comes from an eastern part of India, the state of West Bengal, where music and art are an integral part of the culture. But growing up at the top engineering college campus in India – where her father was a professor – surrounded by science and engineering, an artistic career seemed a distant dream. She earned a Master’s degree in mathematics and had a successful career teaching computer technology.
Fifteen years ago, she left her career in computers to follow her passion for arts and music. She started her own music school “UrmiMusic” right here in Livingston, where she teaches Indian music and began a quest for personal discovery through her paintings. She tries to capture and relive the memories of India that she left behind through her artistic expressions.
Her paintings have won numerous awards and have been exhibited in many shows in NJ. She is currently a signature member of the Pastel Society of NJ, and a member of the Livingston Arts Association. She also serves on the board of the Pastel Society of NJ as the publicity coordinator. She has studied with noted artists Enrique Flores-Galbis, Christina Debbary, and Parag Borse.
Her current exhibit at the Livingston Public Library is called “Small Moments”. It is a collection of her small works that are mostly studies for her larger paintings. Her style is realistic and her favorite medium is pastels. The collection has portraits, still-life paintings and landscapes mostly done in pastels. You can view more of her work on Instagram at @urmi.arts
-Archana, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian