The Best Address

In Conversation with Tanvi Kulshreshtha

Tanvi Kulshreshtha, a management graduate, quickly realized that her preferred professional path did not involve spreadsheets and PPTs but rather intricate canvases and interesting art tools. She works as a full-time, self-employed abstract painter in her Pune home Studio. Tanvi’s work is an abundance of colour and dynamism that vibrates off the canvas bringing positive energy to her viewers. She works with mixed media, utilizing a broad range of tools and textures to create works that inspire and energize. Kulshreshtha brings together the glory of daily sights in majestic Rajasthan, and Pune; the cultural capital of Maharashtra, where she is settled now, with an expansive internal visual world. In making her work she goes into a deep meditation in the process, generating a perfect balance of abstract imagery and pattern, luminous colour fields and intriguing textures.

Kulshreshtha’s paintings are a window onto a glittering collection of symbols and shapes, with each composition leading your eye through a journey of organic, architectural and script-like forms. Each one makes an uplifting statement and brings joy into the room through its delight in pattern and exquisite contemporary colour palette. Her work carefully juxtaposes tones and hues which create scintillating viewing when brought together, making her paintings magically absorbing. Each piece works as a single burst of communication, a finely crafted line of poetry. The cohesion in her oeuvre, where each work finds progression and lineage from the last, makes for exciting opportunities to group and curate her work. Each piece placed together expands the poetry, creating a sonnet within your home.

What is your artistic background?

I feel lucky to be free to express myself without worrying about finding a balance between my educational training and artistic expression. This is because I am a self-taught artist purely.. The essence of the matter is not about being compared to people with formal training or degrees, but rather about the art that is created by that individual. One of the reasons I use many unconventional art tools in my practice is from the kitchen and hardware store ex. spatula, cardboard, plastic, foam and rubber rollers, scrubber and dish-washing sponge scrub to name a few.

I have always been a painting, sculpting, embroidery and overall handmade enthusiast since my childhood and created pieces using oil and acrylic colors, papier mache and clay. My childhood summer vacation memories are filled with my unstoppable art experiments on pieces from my grandmother’s fabric collection.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

For an artist creativity and imagination is integral as we rely on our creative abilities to conceptualize and bring our artistic visions to life. The ability to engage in self-reflection and critical evaluation of one’s work is an essential attribute of an artist. Without assessing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement one cannot refine his artistic practice.

What role does the artist have in society?

Art can inspire change, make people feel a certain way, and it can also beautify our world. My painting is mainly about my self-expression communicated out there on the canvas, but I think it is everyone’s expression  -I’m just a vehicle. Everybody hurts. Everybody loves. Everybody hopes. And, everybody dies. Mainly, art is about our sense of mortality. Artists can challenge the established norms and inspire change. Through art, new ideas can be brought to life. These ideas can lead to small or large changes in attitudes and society. I hope my role as an artist is to inspire, connect, and collaborate globally.

What art do you most identify with?

A famous artist once said, “I paint to surprise myself.” I strive to create original and meaningful pieces that are visually appealing and convey a sense of emotion. Art that is honest and expresses true feelings. Although I admire and connect with a different range of art styles, I identify with artworks where the color palette consists of energetic Indian colors, is large, is visually pleasing and is truly a statement piece. I am also an ardent fan of purism wherein painting objects are represented as powerful basic forms stripped of detail. I find a lot of inspiration from Le-Corbusier’s tapestries in this style.

What themes do you pursue?

I have expertise in large abstract statement paintings with a vibrant color palette mostly. My artworks are a window onto a glittering collection of symbols and shapes, with each composition leading your eye through a journey of organic, architectural, and script-like forms. Each one makes an uplifting statement and brings joy into the room through its delight in pattern and vibrant color palette. My process is partially intuitive and resonates with abstract expressionism. I create the desired impact on the viewer using bold colors and thick textures using mix-mediums including sand, modeling paste and crystals. Hand-embroidery over hand-painted composition is another theme I pursue which keeps me in a deep meditative state.

What’s your favourite artwork?

My favourite artwork is ‘Convergence’ by the leading exponent of Abstract Expressionism Jackson Pollock. It was a collage of colors splattered on a canvas that created masterful shapes and lines that evoke emotions and attack the eye. Convergence was the personification of free speech and freedom of expression. Pollock hurled muck in the face of convention and fought against the oppressive restraints of civilization.

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Growing up on a university campus, watching senior art students making portraits in the open and capturing our yearly festival on paper used to be fascinating and made me quite intrigued by them. There were enormous Fresco murals and art sculpture installations in my school  which made me curious to explore the art world. As a result, I started working on handmade projects passionately and won multiple local art competitions as a child. My work brings together the glory of daily sights in majestic Rajasthan, diverse Bangalore, and peaceful Pune, where I am settled and have my studio now, with an expansive internal visual world.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

After finishing my Engineering and MBA, I landed two jobs in Bangalore; one on campus which was a secured and conservative role with a lot of international travel and exposure an another one in a startup. Me being a risk taker and admirer of a fast-paced, casual and challenging atmosphere opted for a young startup and worked as a digital marketing executive, leveraging my expertise in online marketing strategies to promote and enhance the visibility of the brand.

After gaining great experience in this field, I started and ran a digital marketing agency for 4 years where I got the opportunity to enhance my entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills which helps me now immensely. I managed a team of marketing professionals, content writers, brand managers and creative teams along with collaborating with clients from diverse industries to develop comprehensive strategies.

I also worked as a social volunteer for Akshay Patra which is an organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to underprivileged children in India. As a volunteer, I participated in various activities, such as food distribution, fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns and event coordination. Through my experiences as a marketing executive, running a digital marketing agency and volunteering for a social cause, I gained a versatile skill set that combines creativity, business acumen, and a passion for making a difference.

Why art?

If I don’t create, I get stressed out. I have to perpetually express my thoughts, ideas, and feelings employing visual art, merely to live normally and to give meaning to my life. As Vincent Van gogh said “I would rather die of passion than of boredom” Despite being deprived of musical instruments by the Nazis, György Sándor Ligeti composed and played music silently using wood pieces as piano keys. Making music was almost as vital to him as breathing. Being an artist Is an instinct, an obsession, a part of you that cannot be denied.

What is an artistic outlook on life?

Artists are usually keen observers and are trained to put those observations into some type of physical form. For example, anyone might notice the particular cast of late afternoon yellow light slanting through leaves on a day in late summer, but the artist stops to note exactly what that yellow is, and exactly how that light passes through the leaves.

An artistic perspective on life entails seeing and experiencing the world through a creative and expressive lens. It is a manner of looking at and connecting with life that emphasizes imagination, curiosity, and aesthetic sensibility. An artistic outlook encourages individuals to see beauty in the ordinary. An artist accepts life’s grey regions and recognizes that there are no definitive answers or one-size-fits-all solutions.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

There have been some unforgettable responses that I always cherish and inspire me to work better. I would like to share one such response where a beautiful lady messaged me to acquire a piece of mine, she commented that she has been searching through various galleries and stores around the world and is very difficult to make her like something but this work of mine exactly communicated her ‘Internal monologue’; she continued to say that if someone painted what conversation she is having with her soul, it will be this ! Of course that work is a part of her treasured collection now.

What food, drink, song inspires you?

I adore the technique of ‘Gelification’  and especially when fruit or vegetable purees are  transformed into tasty gels that are creatively sliced and moulded  providing a unique and delicate presentation. “Pousse Café.” a cocktail drink  It is often made up of various liqueurs of diverse colours and alcohol concentration that are meticulously poured in a certain order to provide a visually beautiful effect. Its striking visual appeal is engaging. John Lennon’s song “Imagine” with Its moving lyrics and simple melody proves to be an everlasting song of hope and inspiration. Listening to and chanting “Vishnu Sahastranamam” calms down my mind and sharpens my focus, helps me meditate better and improves my artistic performance.

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?

Artists are not always lonely but they prefer to stay alone most of the time. For your creativity to flow, one needs concentration, commitment and abundance of real me time. Yes, the nature of work is such that it makes an artist aloof and isolated but for me being a people person, frequent social interactions are what keeps my soul alive and fresh. To counteract the isolation and prolonged period of alone time, I give time to positive activities which I enjoy and learn from.

I have been a student of Indian classical music for a few years which takes me to another world. Being a passionate cook I attend workshops from time to time. I don’t forget to invite friends and family for a meal where I experiment with newly learned cuisine. Travel is also a huge part of my life and I with my husband backpack and stay in hostels to explore new places and local cultures.

What do you dislike about the art world?

While it may think of itself as enlightened, unfortunately, the art world tends to create the same inequities that we see in any other field. A huge emphasis in the art world is on selling and that has nothing to do with the pleasure of making. If the artist does a body of work that’s slightly different, and people don’t understand it and so they don’t like it. There is no doubt that those with influential networks are favoured in the art world and like any other field, politics plays a role. Neither primary-market pricing nor curatorial credibility is transparent, which leads to a lack of confidence in the market.

What do you dislike about your work?

I find myself extremely lucky to be a part of the artist community and grateful to God and thank him almost daily for allowing me to work as an artist. As they say, nothing is perfect so one or two not-so-critical points which can be considered negative are there. Creating artwork can be physically demanding, especially when working on large-scale canvases or engaging in intricate design. Selecting the right project for artist collaborations is an important and challenging task in an artist’s life. Few projects can seem lucrative from a monetary perspective but not so fruitful for your artistic growth.

What do you like about your work?

Watching my artwork touch someone’s soul is an intense feeling, being an artist I get to experience this from time to time. My work allows me to be surrounded by beauty & to add beauty to the world. Time in my studio doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s all pleasure and experimentation. Each day has something new to offer which expands my imagination and enhances my creativity. I can see a constant growth in my mindset and liking, I am becoming more open, accepting and flexible in what I like. This is a result of my artistic practice and research I feel.

Should art be funded?

The arts shouldn’t be just for the elite. If you fund an artist, the art world can be accessible and possible to collect by the not-so-rich. Funding art is going to take care of the livelihood of artists and they as a result can experiment freely and create what they genuinely want to work on without worrying about their survival.

What role does arts funding have?

Art funding plays a crucial role in a society by fostering artistic expression, by providing resources and financial support to artists. It stimulates economic growth by encouraging the development of creative sectors such as visual and performing arts, film, music, design, and others. Art financing can be used to support projects that bridge the gap between art and science- technology enabling multidisciplinary collaborations and new ways of thinking. Collaborations like these have the potential to lead to breakthroughs. Community-based projects, public art installations, festivals, and events that promote cultural exchange, dialogue, and understanding among disparate groups are supported by art funding.

What is your dream project?

My dream is to indulge in a series of Indian and international projects which can bring a new form to the Indian abstract art movement. This is an ambitious endeavor aimed at redefining, revitalizing and pushing the boundaries of abstract art in the Indian artistic landscape. I dream to work on a luxury car project fully covered in my work or a 15-20 feet high ceiling art installation for a museum or private home.

By breaking away from traditional notions of abstract art and embracing experimentation, I aim to create a new visual language that reflects the complexities of contemporary Indian society, culture, and identity without forgetting the established global abstract art standards.

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Vasudeo Gaitonde

As the legend said himself; he was a non-objective painter without any pre-planned context to his painting. This resonates with me as my work is also partially intuitive and is free for the viewer to analyze, experience and come to a conclusion.

Yayoi Kusama

It would be an honor for any aspiring artist to be compared to the acclaimed Japanese artist Yaoi Kusama who changed art history with a single polka dot. Out of all her works ‘Infinity Net’ and ‘Pumpkin’ are my favorites. How she predicted and measured the infinity of the unbound universe, from her position in it, with dots is exemplary. At the age of 89, Yayoi continues to create and has been known to work in 50-60 hour stretches. What else can be more inspiring for an eager artist?

Frank Stella

I admire Frank Stella’s work for its bright color palette and brilliant arrangement of geometrical shapes and compositions which are projected out from the wall instead of working on flat surfaces. He was truthful and straightforward in his art which can be seen in his statement below:

“My painting is based on the fact that only what can be seen there is there. It is an object. What you see is what you see.”

 Favourite or most inspirational place?

Forests and beaches offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and lighting conditions that inspire creativity in me. I wish to work with and implement new ideas whenever I visit Varkala for its beautiful beaches and a free – bohemian vibe and Kochi city with beautiful wall murals and especially due to the famous ‘Kochi muziris biennale. Art, craft, music, literature, dance and textile traditions of Varanasi and Jaipur date back to thousands of years with an enduring old-world allure that appeals to all. These two cities inspire me to explore historical narratives and capture the beauty of the past as an artist. India is one of the best places in the world for artistic inspiration without a doubt.

Out of India, Havana, Cuba: the capital of Cuba is nearly 500 years old and a riot of colour. Havana’s brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make it a painter’s delight.

Another city I would not forget to name is ‘Tokyo’ because visiting Tokyo is like visiting the future yet there’s still a rich sense of Japanese culture and history. Japan’s thriving manga and anime artist community is definitely an inspiration for their Attention to detail and craftsmanship.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Have no fear of perfection-you will never reach it”- Dali’s quote works as a great advice for me if self-doubt kicks in. Another great advice is to make art almost daily, get inspired by remarkable work done by others but make your path and follow what your instinct says: only that will create magic. Another extremely important but often ignored advice for any artist is “Become very proficient in knowing the business side of the art world.”

Professionally, what’s your goal?

I aspire to gain recognition and build a reputation within the art and design community globally. I also intend to revolutionize the art and decor trend in India with much more experimental, bespoke and brave pieces.

Future plans?

I want to be recognized for my abilities and wish to create a legacy and be remembered long after I am gone. I am working on refining my technical skills and expanding my artistic repertoire by exploring different subject matters and mediums and collaborating with remarkable artists globally.  I aim to make a positive impact on the idea of abstract art in India and contribute to social change through my artistic endeavors in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What is your artistic background?

 

I feel lucky to be free to express myself without worrying about finding a balance between my educational training and artistic expression. This is because I am a self-taught artist purely.. The essence of the matter is not about being compared to people with formal training or degrees, but rather about the art that is created by that individual.

One of the reasons I use many unconventional art tools in my practice is from the kitchen & hardware store ex. spatula, cardboard, plastic, foam & rubber rollers, scrubber & dishwashing sponge scrub to name a few 🙂

I have always been a painting, sculpting, embroidery & overall handmade enthusiast since my childhood & created pieces using oil & acrylic colors, paper mache & clay ferociously. My childhood summer vacation memories are filled with my unstoppable art experiments on pieces from my grandmother’s fabric collection.

 

  1. What’s integral to the work of an artist?

For an artist Creativity and Imagination is integral as we rely on our creative abilities to conceptualize and bring our artistic visions to life.

The ability to engage in self-reflection & critical evaluation of one’s work is an essential attribute of an artist. Without assessing strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement one can not refine his artistic practice.

 

  1. What role does the artist have in society?

Art can inspire change, make people feel a certain way, and it can also beautify our world. My painting is mainly about my self-expression communicated out there on the canvas, but I think it is everyone’s expression  -I’m just a vehicle.

 

Everybody hurts. Everybody loves. Everybody hopes. And, everybody dies. Mainly, art is about our sense of mortality. Artists can challenge the established norms & inspire change. Through art, new ideas can be brought to life. These ideas can lead to small or large changes in attitudes and society.

I hope my role as an artist is to inspire, connect, and collaborate globally.

 

  1. What art do you most identify with?

a famous artist once said, “I paint to surprise myself.” I strive to create original and meaningful pieces that are visually appealing and convey a sense of emotion. Art that is honest and expresses true feelings.

Although I admire and connect with a different range of art styles, I identify with artworks where the color palette consists of energetic Indian colors, is large, is visually pleasing & is truly a statement piece.

I am also an ardent fan of purism where in Painting objects are represented as powerful basic forms stripped of detail. I find a lot of inspiration from Le-Corbusier’s tapestries in this style.

 

  1. What themes do you pursue?

I have expertise in large abstract statement paintings with a vibrant color palette mostly.

My artworks are a window onto a glittering collection of symbols and shapes, with each composition leading your eye through a journey of organic, architectural, and script-like forms. Each one makes an uplifting statement and brings joy into the room through its delight in pattern and vibrant color palette. My process is partially intuitive & resonates with abstract Expressionism.

I create the desired impact on the viewer using bold colors & thick textures using mix-mediums including sand, modeling paste & crystals.

Hand-embroidery over hand-painted composition is another theme I pursue which keeps me in a deep meditative state.

 

  1. What’s your favourite artwork?

 

My favourite artwork is ‘Convergence’ by the leading exponent of Abstract Expressionism Jackson Pollock.

It was a collage of colors splattered on a canvas that created masterful shapes and lines that evoke emotions and attack the eye. Convergence was the personification of free speech and freedom of expression. Pollock hurled muck in the face of convention and fought against the oppressive restraints of civilization.

 

  1. Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Growing up on a university campus, watching senior art students making portraits in the open & capturing our yearly festival on paper used to be fascinating & made me quite intrigued by them.

There were enormous Fresco murals & art sculpture installations in my school  which made me curious to explore the art world. As a result, I started working on handmade projects passionately & won multiple local art competitions as a child.

My work brings together the glory of daily sights in majestic Rajasthan, diverse Bangalore, and peaceful Pune, where I am settled & have my studio now, with an expansive internal visual world.

  1. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

After finishing my Engineering & MBA, I landed two jobs in Bangalore; One on campus which was a secured & conservative role with a lot of international travel & exposure & another one in a startup. Me being a risk taker & admirer of a fast-paced, casual & challenging atmosphere opted for a young startup & worked as a digital marketing executive, leveraging my expertise in online marketing strategies to promote and enhance the visibility of the brand.

After gaining great experience in this field, I started and ran a digital marketing agency for 4 years where I got the opportunity to enhance my entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills which helps me now immensely. I managed a team of marketing professionals, content writers, Brand managers & creative teams along with collaborating with clients from diverse industries to develop comprehensive strategies.

I also worked as a social volunteer for Akshay Patra which is an organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to underprivileged children in India.

As a volunteer, I participated in various activities, such as food distribution, fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns & event coordination.

Through my experiences as a marketing executive, running a digital marketing agency, and volunteering for a social cause, I gained a versatile skill set that combines creativity, business acumen, and a passion for making a difference.

 

  1. Why art?

If I don’t create, I get stressed out. I have to perpetually express my thoughts, ideas, and feelings employing visual art, merely to live normally and to give meaning to my life. As Vincent Van gogh said “I would rather die of passion than of boredom”

Being an artist Is an instinct, an obsession, a part of you that cannot be denied.

 

Despite being deprived of musical instruments by the Nazis, György Sándor Ligeti composed and played music silently using wood pieces as piano keys. Making music was almost as vital to him as breathing.

 

  1. What is an artistic outlook on life?

Artists are usually keen observers and are trained to put those observations into some type of physical form. For example, anyone might notice the particular cast of late afternoon yellow light slanting through leaves on a day in late summer, but the artist stops to note exactly what that yellow is, and exactly how that light passes through the leaves.

 

 

  1. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

There have been some unforgettable responses that I always cherish & inspire me to work better.

I would like to share one such response where a beautiful lady messaged me to acquire a piece of mine, she commented that she has been searching through various galleries & stores around the world & is very difficult to make her like something but this work of mine exactly communicated her ‘Internal monologue’; she continued to say that if someone painted what conversation she is having with her soul, it will be this! Of Course that work is a part of her treasured collection now.

 

  1. What food, drink, song inspires you?

I adore the technique of ‘Gelification’  & especially when fruit or vegetable purees are  transformed into tasty gels that are creatively sliced & moulded  providing a unique and delicate presentation.

“Pousse Café.” a cocktail drink  It is often made up of various liqueurs of diverse colours and alcohol concentration that are meticulously poured in a certain order to provide a visually beautiful effect. Its striking visual appeal is engaging.

John Lennon’s song “Imagine” with Its moving lyrics and simple melody proves to be an everlasting song of hope and inspiration.

Listening to & chanting “Vishnu Sahastranamam” calms down my mind and sharpens my focus, helps me meditate better & improves my artistic performance.

 

 

  1. Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?

Artists are not always lonely but they prefer to stay alone most of the time. For your creativity to flow, one needs concentration, commitment & abundance of real me time.

Yes, the nature of work is such that it makes an artist aloof & isolated but for me being a people person, frequent social interactions are what keeps my soul alive & fresh. To counteract the isolation & prolonged period of alone time, I give time to positive activities which I enjoy & learn from.

I have been a student of Indian classical music for a few years which takes me to another world. Being a passionate cook I attend workshops from time to time.

I don’t forget to invite friends & family for a meal where I experiment with newly learned cuisine. Travel is also a huge part of my life and I with my husband backpack & stay in hostels to explore new places & local cultures.

 

  1. What do you dislike about the art world?

While it may think of itself as enlightened, unfortunately, the art world tends to create the same inequities that we see in any other field.

A huge emphasis in the art world is on selling and that has nothing to do with the pleasure of making. If the artist does a body of work that’s slightly different, and people don’t understand it and so they don’t like it. There is no doubt that those with influential networks are favoured in the art world & like any other field, politics plays a role.

Neither primary-market pricing nor curatorial credibility is transparent, which leads to a lack of confidence in the market.

 

  1. What do you dislike about your work?

I find myself extremely lucky to be a part of the artist community & grateful to God & thank him almost daily for allowing me to work as an artist.

As they say, nothing is perfect so one or two not-so-critical points which can be considered negative are there.

Creating artwork can be physically demanding, especially when working on large-scale canvases or engaging in intricate design.

Selecting the right project for artist collaborations is an important and challenging task in an artist’s life. Few projects can seem lucrative from a monetary perspective but not so fruitful for your artistic growth.

 

  1. What do you like about your work?

Watching my artwork touch someone’s soul is an intense feeling, being an artist I get to experience this from time to time.

My work allows me to be surrounded by beauty & to add beauty to the world.

Time in my studio doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s all pleasure & experimentation. Each day has something new to offer which expands my imagination & enhances my creativity. I can see a constant growth in my mindset & liking, I am becoming more open, accepting & flexible in what I like. This is a result of my artistic practice & research I feel.

 

  1. Should art be funded?

The Arts shouldn’t be just for the Elite. If you fund an artist, the art world can be accessible and possible to collect by the not-so-rich.

Funding art is going to take care of the livelihood of artists & they as a result can experiment freely & create what they genuinely want to work on without worrying about their survival.

 

  1. What role does arts funding have?

 

 

  1. What is your dream project?

My dream is to indulge in a series of Indian & international projects which can bring a new form to the Indian abstract art movement. This is an ambitious endeavor aimed at redefining, revitalizing & pushing the boundaries of abstract art in the Indian artistic landscape.

By breaking away from traditional notions of abstract art and embracing experimentation, I am to create a new visual language that reflects the complexities of contemporary Indian society, culture, and identity without forgetting the established global abstract art standards.

 

  1. Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Vasudeo Gaitonde

As the legend said himself; he was a non-objective painter without any pre-planned context to his painting. This resonates with me as my work is also partially intuitive & is free for the viewer to analyze, experience & come to a conclusion.

Yayoi Kusama

It would be an honor for any aspiring artist to be compared to the acclaimed Japanese artist Yaoi Kusama who changed art history with a single polka dot. Out of all her works ‘Infinity Net’ & ‘Pumpkin’ are my favorites. How she predicted & measured the infinity of the unbound universe, from her position in it, with dots is exemplary. At the age of 89, Yayoi continues to create and has been known to work in 50-60 hour stretches. What else can be more inspiring for an eager artist?

Frank Stella

I admire Frank Stella’s work for its bright color palette and brilliant arrangement of geometrical shapes & compositions which are projected out from the wall instead of working on flat surfaces. He was truthful & straightforward in his art which can be seen in his statement below:

“My painting is based on the fact that only what can be seen there is there. It is an object. What you see is what you see.”

 

  1. Favourite or most inspirational place?

Forests & beaches offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and lighting conditions that inspire creativity in me. I feel almost itching to work & implement new ideas whenever I visit Varkala for its beautiful beaches & a free – bohemian vibe & Kochi city with beautiful wall murals & especially due to the famous ‘Kochi muziris biennale.

 

Art, craft, music, literature, dance and textile traditions of Varanasi & Jaipur date back to thousands of years with an  enduring old-world allure that appeals to all. These two cities inspire me to explore historical narratives and capture the beauty of the past as an artist. India is one of the best places in the world for artistic inspiration without a doubt.

Out of India, Havana, Cuba: the capital of Cuba is nearly 500 years old and a riot of colour. Havana’s brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make it a painter’s delight.

Another city I would not forget to name is ‘Tokyo’ because visiting Tokyo is like visiting the future yet there’s still a rich sense of Japanese culture and history. Japan’s thriving manga & anime artist community is definitely an inspiration for their Attention to detail and craftsmanship

 

  1. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Have no fear of perfection-you will never reach it”- Dali’s quote works as a great advice for me if  self-doubt kicks in.

Another great advice is to make art almost daily, get inspired by remarkable work done by others but make your path & follow what your instinct says: only that will create magic. Another extremely important but often ignored advice for any artist is “Become very proficient in knowing the business side of the art world.”

 

  1. Professionally, what’s your goal?

I aspire to gain recognition and build a reputation within the art & design community globally. I also intend to revolutionize the art & decor trend in India with much more experimental, bespoke & brave pieces.

 

  1. Future plans?

I want to be recognized for my abilities and wish to create a legacy and be remembered long after I am gone. I am working on refining my technical skills & expanding my artistic repertoire by exploring different subject matters & mediums & collaborating with remarkable artists globally.  I aim to make a positive impact on the idea of abstract art in India and contribute to social change through my artistic endeavours in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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