Hema Upadhyay nee Hirani (1972–2015) was born in Baroda, India. Her newly produced works at STPI question the meaning of ‘home’ in the face of India’s rapid urbanisation through autobiography and personal insights. Known for her photographs, intricate paintings and mixed media installations, Upadhyay returned to printmaking after a decade’s hiatus. During her six-week residency at STPI, Upadhyay scaled new heights of technical virtuosity in a series of monumental works displaying the innovative use of Chinese wooden puzzles and clay onto STPI handmade paper. 

Her solo exhibition at STPI Universe revolves on, allowed viewers to witness the process of an artistic shift. Hema Upadhyay entered daringly into the dynamics of paper and print, stretching her own and STPI’s continuing undertakings. This significant collaboration was made possible by the efforts of the STPI team, led by Master Papermaker Richard Hungerford and Chief Printer Eitaro Ogawa.