Shakti is a critically acclaimed artist-philosopher whose work has been widely exhibited, and is in collections around the world, including the NGMA, India. He speaks and writes on art, aesthetics and culture and has contributed essays to several volumes published in India and abroad. His first book, ‘Towards Ananda: Rethinking Indian Art and Aesthetics’ (2006), focused on contemporary art and its place in the emerging global art scene. His new book, ‘The Promise of Beauty and Why It Matters’ (2017), explores beauty, its basis and its vital significance in our lives.