Neelu Patel
Neelu Patel, from Ahmedabad, is a trendsetter with each of her artifacts crafted from paper‑mache. She is known to bring life to used pieces of newspaper, through which she uniquely crafts marvelous paintings complemented by her proficiency in color blending and superficial effects.
Her mastery in converting waste paper into eccentric art pieces makes her one of the most eminent artists working in the medium. With her inclination towards “save our environment,” she was among the first of her kind to show how art itself can be an eco‑friendly practice.
If a country is given carbon credit for low emissions, then why can't an individual also be accredited?
— Neelu Patel
Why paper mache
Neelu is an environmental conservationist first, and an artist second — the inspiration to nurture the craft of paper mache came directly from that instinct. She chose this craft because it reuses waste paper that would otherwise be thrown away, at a time when the world is moving toward being paperless.
“Inspiration arises within a fraction of a second, and even you don't know that your existence is going to dissolve in the beautiful outcome of it. That is inspiration to me, and it struck me instantly when I thought of nurturing the idea through paper‑mache.”
Not conservative about her knowledge
Neelu has made several pieces of art over the years and exhibited them at prestigious exhibitions both in India and internationally — but she's just as focused on keeping the craft alive for the next generation. She regularly conducts workshops, including one documented at NIFT Gandhinagar, teaching students the two core techniques behind her work: traditional paper mache and paper‑roll art.
She's concerned by a shift toward plaster of paris and plastic in craft and toy-making, and sees paper mache as the environment‑friendly alternative worth protecting — one student at a time.
Neelu's portfolio of work is truly remarkable. At our popular Brent Council‑run library in Willesden, London, Neelu's work was displayed as part of an exhibition titled ‘Music from the Silent Flute.’ Some of her work also includes using paper materials and transforming them into art. These materials would have otherwise been scrapped, so it is truly incredible to see them used so positively, artistically.
— Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council Library, Willesden, London
Featured Exhibitions
A selection of exhibitions Neelu's work has been part of, in India and abroad.
Music from the Silent Flute
Brent Council Library, Willesden, London — an exhibition of paper mache and collage artwork.
Tribal India 2017 — Discover the Hidden Mysteries
A showcase exploring tribal craft traditions and their contemporary echoes.
Painting Exhibition at Chelsea Gallery
London — a solo showing of Neelu's paper mache paintings.
National Merit Certificate
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India — recognized for craftsmanship and contribution to the development of paper mache craft.
Own an original piece
Browse the collection and reach out directly on WhatsApp to enquire, customize, or purchase.