Artist Prachi Agnihotri was born and brought up in Jharsuguda, Odisha. She started as a self-taught artist and later enrolled for a visual arts program in Bangalore. Prachi has participated in group exhibitions at Kochi, Mumbai and London and has conducted art workshops for kids and art therapy classes such as doodle, mandala, dot art etc. She has also worked closely with interior designers to create life-size paintings for their clients. She creates abstract art and is very fond of nature inspired artworks. “My choice of colours is bright and vibrant. I work mostly with acrylics and mixed media. I like versatility therefore I keep experimenting different concepts in my artworks and prefer designs, patterns, texture and detailing in my artworks,” she says.

Prachi won the first prize as an Emerging Artist in the painting category representing Chhattisgarh at Prafulla Dahanukar Foundation, Mumbai. As an expecting mother, Prachi bagged the best poster award for spreading awareness about breast feeding at an event organized by Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune on the 25^th Anniversary celebration of World’s Breastfeeding Week. Her artwork named ‘Wisdom’ secured a place among the top 150 artworks at Mojarto in the Emerging Artist category

What is integral to the work of an artist?

The patience to create unique artworks and enhance creativity with each piece of art because an artist is always a learner is integral to the work of an artist.

What role does the artist have in society?

Art reflects positivity and hope. Society has to keep changing with time because change is the only constant. Artists create and explore different subjects surrounding them and put forward their perspective which in turn spreads awareness, positivity and hope among the viewers.

 What art do you most identify with?

Abstract art. Generally, abstract art is one’s inner perspective of real life.

What themes do you pursue?

Designs, nature, animals, landscape in vibrant colours.

What is your favorite artwork?

I have an artwork named ‘Twilight’. I totally connect with it. The calmness that the painting resonates attracts the viewer.

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Meditation. When I meditate, it generates a lot of creative thoughts. Therefore, the whole process of making an artwork is meditation for me.

 

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I’m an engineer by qualification. I’ve worked in the Business Excellence department at Vedanta Aluminum Ltd, Odisha.

 Why art?

Art involves creativity. Working with different mediums is the technical part of making artworks. In the real sense, art has a language of it’s own. It refers to beauty, social change, optimism and a very strong communication tool. One can survive without the existence of art but one lives life to the fullest with the presence of art. I believe art is everywhere because art is a visual display of human expressions and belief system.

What is an artistic outlook on life?

Art is everywhere. For instance, life exists when the art of breathing is appropriate.

 Is the artistic life lonely?

Yes, the artistic life is lonely and it generates imaginative thoughts. One should have work-life balance like any other profession.

What do you dislike about the art world?

Uncertainty in this field. Work-life balance is also a challenge.

What do you dislike about your work?

I strive to be organized in every aspect of my life. This reflects in my artworks as well. Sometimes, I deliberately attempt to be carefree and disorganized in my piece of work.

What do you like about your work?

The design, detailing and choice of colors I make for any artwork.

Should art be funded?

Yes, art should be funded. The presence of art in society is very impactful. The changing trends of society are very well observed in the artworks of an era.

What role does art funding have?

Art funding is important and art should be made a part of every student’s life which will result in society’s progress. Art should be treated as an essential not as a luxury.

What is your dream project?

My dream project is to work for an assignment related to our nation which should include the cultural heritage of India.

Name three artists, you’d like to be compared to?

Comparison sounds unhealthy. I am inspired by many artists and go through their work to gain an understanding of the imaginative thought process behind their unique artworks.

Favorite and most inspirational place?

Any place that is close to the beauty of nature inspires me.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

I have been advised to come up with an art gallery.

Professionally, what is your goal?

Continuing my artistic journey throughout life and reaching out to a global audience.