Mukti Belahal

The work of West Windsor artist Mukti Belahal is on view at the Plainsboro Public Library through August 27. The exhibition, “Inks,” features work in two media: alcohol ink and acrylic fluid art.

A graphic designer by profession, Belahal said the urge to paint with colors on blank canvas has always been a part of her life. Her favorite medium is oil, but she also works with pastels, watercolor, and acrylic paint, in addition to inks. An avid photographer, she often incorporates subjects snapped on nature walks into her artwork. She said her style ranges from realistic to abstract, depending on the demands of the subject.

The show at Plainsboro Library features all abstract pieces. Belahal said she enjoys fluid art because she can “let loose” and allow the paint to create its own design.

“Every medium has its own character,” she said.

Sometimes, as in realistic work, the artist has to control every brush stroke. The 40-plus pieces in the Plainsboro Library show are examples of a more relaxed attention.

“Fluid art is when you combine different acrylic paints together,” said Belahal. “The colors react with each other to create vibrant and stunning designs. Alcohol ink, on the other hand, has an unpredictable nature that contrasts with the solid tones of fluid art. Its vibrancy and translucent color radiate uniqueness.”

Belahal has shown her work in a number of regional galleries and has had several solo exhibitions at area libraries, including the Cherry Hill Library, Princeton Public Library, and West Windsor Public Library. She has taken part in juried shows at the West Windsor Arts Center Gallery.

The Plainsboro Library is located at 9 Van Doren Street in Plainsboro. For more information, call (609) 275-2897 or visit plainsborolibrary.org.