I shut my eyes in order to see. - Paul Gauguin
Payal Arts International curates unique Art + Yoga experiences that incorporate the tenets of yoga with artwork. Payal has led meditation sessions with the staff of Christie’s, David Zwirner Gallery, The Armory Show, Higher Pictures Generation and The Baltimore Museum of Art.
Payal leads interactive in-person and virtual Museum Mindfulness Meditation and Artful Meditation. She invites everyone to engage in mindfulness techniques to relax, rejuvenate and energize. Through conscious breathing and an awareness of our five senses we can discover ease and balance amidst the chaos and begin to appreciate the gift of each moment. Through a celebration of art and community, we begin to manifest what's truly in our hearts. What is it that we each desire? Where do we feel the resonance of beauty in a work of art settle in our body?
Let's breathe in "peace" ...
...And breathe out "peace"
Art + Yoga sessions forge a mind, body and soul connection between the viewer/participant and the art/artist. Art fused with meditation creates a collective transcendent experience. The purposes of this practice are the initiation of novices, the expansion of consciousness and expression of bliss.
Artful Meditation
A virtual guided meditation of Julie Mehretu's paintings Transcending: The New International, 2003 and Hineni (E. 3:4), 2018 for the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, New York.
A contemplation of Gina Osterloh’s photograph Grid Eyes, exhibited at Higher Pictures Generation in Brooklyn, New York.
A contemplation of Rudy Shepard’s painting, Mount Shasta, Holy Mountain Series exhibited at LatchKey Gallery in New York City.
Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber by Rudy Shepard
Healing Device, Phase 2, No. 11 by Rudy Shepard
Testimonials :
Payal seamlessly combines her passions to provide unique creative experiences at the intersection of art and wellness. In leading us through an art-inspired mediation, I was struck by her ability to provide our group of art patrons, artists, and enthusiasts with an entirely new way of accessing works of art. Payal's approach was both thoughtful and reflective, and encouraged a deeper experience with artwork that our guests felt was both insightful and restorative. - Kathleen, Director
Payal has been the gallery meditation teacher during the NYC lockdown since April 2020, and has been a light for our staff during an unprecedented, dark time. Her meditation techniques have been a source of calm for our employees and a gift for all of us. We have been so grateful to have a connection with Payal, who already speaks the languages of meditation and spirituality but also of art. Payal has a great understanding of what we are all experiencing and speaks to this during the practice. She incorporates the senses and engages your body and mind during each session and gives us new ways to self-soothe. The twice-weekly sessions have been a respite from the uncertainty. Payal always comes to her sessions prepared and ready to take you to the place of centeredness that exists within all of us. - Rebecca, Human Resources Director
I’ve never experienced something quite like an hour of museum meditation with Payal. Within moments, I was imagining my eyes, body, and breath from a new perspective: an artist in the act of creating. Her peaceful approach and careful questions about looking closely and breathing like brushstrokes made familiar objects into extraordinary spaces. I like how she varied her class with seated meditation and mindful movement. Thank you, Payal, for an awakening experience. It’s one I highly recommend. - Brittany, Assistant Curator
The museum meditation session with Payal was truly an exceptional experience – far beyond my normal yoga practice. Payal incorporated the exquisite surroundings to enhance the sense of peace and tranquility that she created through her beautiful words and voice. She also caused me to experience works of art in an entirely fresh and mindful way. Thank you, Payal, for an extraordinary pause in my otherwise busy and stressed life! - Fiona, Trustee