Awakening by Dr. Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia

Discovery

Awakening" explores the moment of consciousness emerging from the subconscious mind. Drawing from my medical background, this piece visualizes the complex interplay between rational thought and intuitive awareness. The vibrant, organic central form—suggesting neural networks and synaptic connections—bursts forth from a contemplative monochromatic landscape, representing the transition from sleep to awareness, from unconscious to conscious thought. The mixed media technique allows for layered meaning: smooth washes of gray and white create a dreamlike foundation, while bold strokes of primary colors map the electrical storm of awakening consciousness. This work invites viewers to consider their own moments of clarity and the beautiful complexity of the human mind's daily resurrection into awareness.

Dr. Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia
Awakening
Acrylic on canvas
24 x 36 x 1.5 in (60.96 x 91.44 x 3.81 cm)
$1,200
Available

This black and white painting shows splashes of color with a central abstract multicolored shape. The geometric shapes have drawings suggestive of neuronal synapses that light up when we are awake.

Subject Matter: Abstract
Collections: Abstract

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Dr. Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia is a nationally recognized physician-artist whose vibrant abstract and semi-abstract paintings invite reflection, calm, and connection. Her creative journey began after a distinguished medical career as a tenured Professor and Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Wayne State University. Today, her work bridges science and soul—channeling a lifelong commitment to healing into a visual language of energy, resilience, and hope.

Her paintings have appeared on the cover of the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal and in ArtAscent, where she was named Distinguished Artist in 2025. One of her COVID-era works was selected by The Washington Post as among the nation’s Top 20 pandemic-themed artworks. She has been featured in Artist Portfolio Magazine, Destig, Bold Journey, and over 30 podcasts including Becoming Bridge Builders, Flourish Careers, and Mastery Unleashed.

Dr. Tolia’s colorful, story-rich compositions are inspired by nature, identity, and neuroaesthetic research. Her signature style blends geometric motifs with intuitive gesture and textured layers. While rooted in healing, many works are also infused with her Indian heritage—especially her figurative and Ganesha paintings. Her artwork lives in public and private collections across the U.S., including at Henry Ford Medical Center, NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, and Baker College.

She has held 8 solo exhibitions to date, with her 2025 shows Floral Whispers and Nature’s Embrace drawing wide acclaim. She will speak at the Thrive in ’25 Conference in Chicago on the “Effects of Art on the Brain,” and presented to the World Health Organization in 2024 on the role of art in neurodivergent populations. Through each painting and platform, she continues her lifelong mission of transforming lives—this time through the healing power of art.

Solo Exhibitions (Selected)

Floral Whispers, Flagstar Strand Theatre, MI — Apr–Sept 2025
Diverse Visions, Livonia Fine Arts Gallery, MI — Aug 2024
Nature, Posterity Gallery, Grosse Pointe, MI — Sept–Oct 2023
This Is Every Woman, Brewery Park Gallery, Detroit — Sept 2023
The Symphony of Sentiments, Livonia Fine Arts Gallery, MI — Aug–Sept 2022
A Woman’s Journey, Scarab Club, Detroit — 2017
Collections, Padzieski Art Gallery, Dearborn — 2015
Healing Spirit & Body, Beaumont Hospitals — 2017

Group Exhibitions

Over 170 juried exhibitions since 2015 across the U.S. and online
Awards include: Best of Show, First & Second Place, Artist of the Future (2020), and Bronze, Silver, and Distinguished Artist recognitions from ArtAscent, Camelback Gallery, JMane Gallery, and Teravarna
Featured in the University of Michigan’s 2025 “Path to Precision” NeuroArts Exhibition

Public Collections

Baker College, Royal Oak Campus (3 works)
Henry Ford Medical Center, Macomb (1 work)
NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Santa Rosa, CA (2 works)

Selected Publications & Media

ArtAscent Magazine — Cover & interview (2025); multiple features (2020–2024)
The Washington Post — Top 20 National COVID Art, 2020
CDC Journal — Cover Art, Dec 2022
Destig Magazine, Artist Portfolio Magazine, Light Ekphrastic, Rattle
Contributor to Mastery Unleashed best-selling book (2025)
Featured artist interviews on Artsy Shark, Bold Journey, CanvasRebel, VoyageMI

Public Speaking & Podcasts

Thrive in ’25 Conference, Chicago – Featured speaker, group workshop & mandala session
World Health Organization – Presentation on Art & Neurodivergence, 2024
Guest on 30+ podcasts including Design Your Legacy, Lost in the Groove, Inspired Choice, Season of Self-Love
Frequent speaker on creativity, healing, and women’s empowerment

Education

MBBS, University of Calcutta, India
Self-taught in visual arts with continued learning through workshops, galleries, and experimentation

Dr. Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia