Space Gallery SoHo was delighted to host another inspiring edition of The Creative Series Talk, welcoming guests for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and connection centered on the intersection of nature, art, and spirituality. Set within Neo Botanica II, Ulf Saupe’s immersive exhibition inspired by the natural world, the event featured a thought-provoking talk "The Spirit of Nature in Art" by renowned psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Deepa Voleti.

Surrounded by Saupe’s lush botanical compositions, the gallery became a contemplative space—one that encouraged attendees to slow down, observe, and reconnect. The exhibition’s organic forms and meditative color palettes provided a powerful backdrop for Dr. Voleti’s exploration of how art can awaken something deeply human and profoundly spiritual within us.

Ulf Saupe Invernadero III V1, 2022
Gum print, soil, pigment, watercolor on dibond

33.46 x 29.53 in (85 x 75 cm)

A Reflection on Art, Nature, and Spirituality

In her talk, Dr. Voleti spoke about the limitations of the traditional medical model when it comes to fully understanding mental well-being. While psychiatry often focuses on what is measurable and tangible, she emphasized that it can overlook an essential dimension of the human experience: spirituality.

Dr. Voleti described spirituality not as a religious construct, but as a deeply personal journey toward transcendence—an awareness of connection to something greater than oneself. Whether experienced through self-awareness, relationships, nature, or a sense of unity with the universe, spirituality provides meaning, purpose, and a framework for inner balance.

She highlighted how art—particularly art inspired by nature—can act as a bridge to transcendence, evoking feelings of awe, wonder, and interconnectedness. Nature itself has been shown to enhance these emotions, and when translated through artistic expression, it invites viewers into a state of mindfulness and presence. Engaging with art can dissolve feelings of separation, fostering a sense of oneness between the viewer, the artwork, and the world beyond.

Standing within Neo Botanica II, guests were encouraged to engage intuitively with the works around them—to pause, breathe, and allow the art to speak. Dr. Voleti reminded the audience that mental well-being is deeply tied to our sense of connection, creativity, and community, and that art offers a powerful pathway to experiencing the fullness of our humanity.

Dr. Deepa Voleti

About the Guest Speaker: Dr. Deepa Voleti

Dr. Deepa Voleti is a Double Board Certified Pediatric and Adult Psychiatrist, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center, and a Sub-Investigator for psychiatric clinical trials at Manhattan Behavioral Medicine (MBM). She also teaches the NYU undergraduate course “Love Actually”, where she educates students on building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Throughout her career, Dr. Voleti has demonstrated excellence across clinical care, teaching, and research. She was elected Chief Resident during her fellowship training, received the Clinical Teaching Award during residency, and is consistently praised by patients, holding only five-star ratings online. Currently, she is conducting research at MBM on the influence of spirituality and religiosity on happiness in Generation Z.

Dr. Voleti is passionate about speaking on the importance of connection, creation, and community in enhancing mental health outcomes—making her voice a natural and powerful complement to Space Gallery’s mission of fostering meaningful artistic experiences.