Shweta Daryani’s creative journey is a testament to the transformative power of discovering one’s passion later in life. Based in Dubai, Shweta is not only an accomplished artist—working predominantly in acrylics, mixed media, clay, Lippan art, and mirror abstracts—but also the visionary founder of @curartor. Over the past five years, she has exhibited widely across the city and, through Curartor, creates unique opportunities for both seasoned artists and newcomers to connect, learn, and express themselves creatively. Drawing deeply from her experiences, travels, and the everyday beauty she encounters, Shweta’s minimalist style and her commitment to fostering community have left an indelible mark on Dubai’s vibrant art scene. Below, we bring you an in-depth interview with Shweta Daryani, Founder of Curartor.
- It is well known that you curate a vibrant selection of art and design projects. Could you elaborate on the criteria and process you follow when selecting artists or works for your curatorial initiatives?
Art has always been my therapy, a quiet place to return when the world gets noisy. I picked up my brushes again during COVID and what started as a private refuge soon pulled me back into Dubai’s art community. Since then I’ve been soaking up everything, Sikka Art Fair, World Art Dubai, DIFC Art Nights and Dubai Design Week, meeting creators who keep nudging my practice forward.
Acrylic is my first language, but I’m happiest trying new things. Lately that’s meant mixed media, clay, Lippan work and mirror abstracts; different materials always ask different questions of a piece. My practice is guided by curiosity first and clarity second, and I’m drawn to work that surprises, that holds a quiet contradiction or makes the ordinary feel new. I love minimalism because it gives those surprises room to breathe.
This month I ran a sold-out Mirror Evil Eye workshop, which began as an idea I tested, timed and refined until the process worked for a group. I worked through materials, mocked up steps and built a flow so every participant left with a finished piece that felt truly theirs. I encouraged people to choose the eye colour and meaning that resonated with them, a small, personal ritual that made the work feel as individual as the maker.
“My key learnings have been that community is everything and that people respond to honesty. Building Curartor has taught me that if you create with sincerity and provide real value, people will connect with it.”
- As the founder of Curartor, what have been the biggest challenges and key learnings in establishing your business within the art and culture space?
One of the biggest challenges has been carving out space for Curartor in a city that is full of incredible art, design and cultural initiatives. Dubai is fast-moving and competitive, and with so many talented artists around, standing out can be difficult. While that energy is inspiring, it also means you have to constantly push yourself to bring something fresh and authentic to the table. For me, that has meant leaning into my own perspective, trusting my instincts, and not being afraid to experiment with new formats, mediums, and ways of engaging people.
Another challenge has been balancing my full-time role as a communications manager with my passion for art. Finding time isn’t always easy, but I look forward to my evenings and weekends where I carve out space for myself and for Curartor. That balance keeps me grounded and fuels both sides of my work.
My key learnings have been that community is everything and that people respond to honesty. Building Curartor has taught me that if you create with sincerity and provide real value, people will connect with it. I’ve also learned that patience is essential; growth in the art and culture space doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay curious and committed, the work finds its way to the right people. I’m part of several art-focused WhatsApp groups where artists support each other, share opportunities, and help each other grow, that sense of community has been one of the most valuable aspects of the journey.
60×60 Buddha in White I created for a Client
- You’ve collaborated with a variety of artists and brands. Is there a particular collaborative project that stands out to you as especially impactful or memorable?
I will always recall my very first exhibition with Funun Arts Group at Novotel Trade Centre, which felt like my first real leap of faith into the art world in 2020. It was the moment I stopped just creating privately and began sharing my work with a wider audience, and that shift was both nerve-wracking and transformative.
Last year, being announced as the Brand Ambassador for Art Splash has been another milestone. They trusted me with their art supplies and gave me the freedom to create content in imaginative ways, which pushed me to explore new mediums and techniques. That collaboration became a game changer for me, as it encouraged me to take more risks, experiment beyond acrylics, and expand my practice in directions I hadn’t imagined before.
- With the ever-evolving nature of the art industry, how do you stay ahead of trends and keep your curatorial projects fresh and relevant?
For me, staying fresh and relevant in such a fast-moving industry is really about staying curious. I’m always seeking inspiration, whether it’s through exhibitions, conversations with artists, or even everyday observations. I make a conscious effort to listen to people and understand what resonates with them, especially in a place like Dubai, where life moves at such a pace and people are constantly consumed by work and routine. I also love traveling and exploring new places because art is perceived in so many different ways around the world, and each encounter opens up new ways of seeing and creating.
“I believe art has the power to connect people who may never have otherwise crossed paths, and I want to create a platform for that kind of exchange.”
My latest Mirror Evil Eye Art Workshop
- Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Curartor in the coming years? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions you’re excited to share with your audience?
Looking ahead, I want Curartor to grow in a way that continues to bring people closer to art. One of my biggest aspirations this year is to exhibit more, to create spaces where my work can live alongside others and spark conversation. I’m also very keen on exploring different types of art workshops and experiences, not just for artists but for anyone who is curious. I believe art has the power to connect people who may never have otherwise crossed paths, and I want to create a platform for that kind of exchange.
I also hope to collaborate with more local and international artists, bringing together diverse perspectives under one roof. Ultimately, my goal is for Curartor to remain a space of curiosity, creativity, and community – a place where people feel welcome to explore, create, and take something meaningful back with them.
Shweta Daryani’s story is a powerful reminder that art is not just about the works we create, but the connections we foster and the journeys we embark on. Through Curartor, she continues to inspire and build a flourishing community—where everyone, regardless of their background or experience, can discover their own voice in art.
Editorial Staff 2025
