The canvas is an invitation to be brave—highlights and perspectives from the Anek Art Collective
In this photo essay from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, we showcase a range of artworks and artist insights on creativity.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 915 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
This week, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is showcasing a group exhibition by the Anek Art Collective, featuring the works of eight artists. See our coverage of 10 years of exhibitions at this popular cultural hub of Bengaluru here.
“Visual art is a language – a way to express what words cannot contain. It is my medium to translate the ineffable: the rich, layered concepts and emotions that live within my inner world but are often difficult to communicate through ordinary speech,” Bengaluru-based industrial designer and artist Akhil Thampuran tells YourStory.
Art can be both translation and transmutation. “It transforms my inner universe into something others can see, feel and connect with,” he adds.
His works reflect his background in industrial design, such as the use of three-dimensional forms, contour lines, volume, and structure. “I also include the bold storytelling of vintage graphic novels, the fluid intensity of psychedelic art, and the dreamlike strangeness of surrealism,” he describes.
“Black and white has always held a magnetic pull for me. My earliest inspiration came from the iconic black-and-white illustrations of artist Nambodiri in magazines,” he recalls.
His style emerged naturally. “It is an intuitive synthesis of everything that has ever moved me visually. And it continues to evolve with each new piece I create,” Thampuran adds. His works are priced from Rs 15,000 to Rs 45,000, depending on size, concept, intricacy, and emotional depth.
“I have had an innate urge to draw – I was doodling right from my childhood days. My fingers would begin tracing even on dust. Doodling led me to pencil and charcoal sketching, and painting came much later in life,” artist Shubhra Singh explains.
Her styles span acrylics, murals, Tanjore and Mysore paintings. “I have also started doing Madhubani folk art in acrylics. I keep learning new styles and these reflect in my creations,” she adds.
Akhil Thampuran
Pricing is the most exhausting part of painting for her. “Each painting is a piece of my heart. It is difficult to put a price tag,” she says.
“Art, to me, is peace and contentment. It reflects who I am, and the mood of each moment. When I paint, my soul quietly slips into the colours,” says Ganga Joshi, an artist and trained mountaineer who grew up in Uttarakhand.
She has explored many styles and mediums, and her journey continues to evolve. Her artworks are priced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000.
“Through my bold knife strokes, I express the spirit of our secret mountains, holy rivers, glaciers, and green meadows. My message is clear: save rivers, save our planet,” she affirms.
“Art for me is expression. It is one of the most sacred forms of free flow of inner thoughts and emotions on any medium,” Bengaluru-based artist Meghna Chowhan enthuses.
She has always had admiration for nature, folk culture, and traditions. Her artworks are priced from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 depending on size and theme.
Shubhra Singh
“Gond folk art of Madhya Pradesh caught my attention. As a self-taught artist, I explored information related to it and gave it a try. The tree of life is my most used connection,” she explains.
Freelance artist Jyotsna Kanshi specialises in sculptural paintings. “Art to me is a bridge between time and soul. It forms a reflection of life and an exploration of the inner world,” she says.
Through her sculpture paintings inspired by Khajuraho and the Chola and Hoysala dynasties, she seeks to revive the spirit of ancient artistry in a contemporary form. “Each piece becomes a dialogue between the stillness of stone and the pulse of emotion, honouring the past while expressing the timeless essence within,” Kanshi explains.
She experimented with acrylic textures and earthy tones like burnt sienna, ochre yellow, ultramarine blue, and white. Depending on size and intricacy, her artworks are priced from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000.
“The style evokes an earthen, timeless feel. The relief effect in my paintings allows light and shadow to play across the surface, echoing the depth and divinity found in temple sculptures,” she adds.
Other featured artists at the exhibition are Biji Nagesh and Ramesh Ramiah. The three-day exhibition wraps up on October 12.
Jyotsna Kanshi
The artists explain that the creative journey is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and calls for resilience to bounce back from setbacks. “As an artist, I see mistakes as part of creation. Each one refines my process and deepens my understanding. Failures teach me patience, resilience, and new ways of expression,” Kanshi says.
Reflecting, experimenting fearlessly, and staying connected to one’s purpose help transform setbacks into opportunities for growth. “Every challenge becomes a step toward greater authenticity and mastery,” she adds.
“As the saying goes, every great artist has a cupboard full of bad artworks. That is exactly what fine-tunes any form of art. We do not learn until we know and accept where we go wrong. That is the beauty of art – we never give up when we go wrong,” Chowhan says.
An artist grows through mistakes and failures. “Such setbacks are essential for the journey. A true artist keeps learning and evolving; it is a continuous process,” Joshi adds.
“Some of the mistakes in the painting process can actually add to the beauty and value in the creation of art. It is serendipity in disguise,” Singh explains.
Mistakes and failures should be seen as guides pointing toward the next level of growth. “They reveal the gaps between what we imagine and what we create. It is in bridging those gaps that an artist evolves,” Thampuran explains.
Divya Jayanth
All the artists call for greater art appreciation in society. “Art grows in a peaceful, progressive and prosperous environment. A responsive society, good governance and a supportive ecosystem are core to the progress of art in any nation,” Singh observes.
“Art and crafts in any form should be encouraged from early childhood, through formal education or alternate forms. People should be encouraged to take up the arts, whether in childhood or as adults,” she suggests.
In this fast-paced world, art brings a calmness or stillness of mind. “This is much needed to de-stress and detoxify,” Singh adds.
India is immensely rich in art, culture and heritage. “Art appreciation plays a crucial role in connecting people to the soul of the nation. It reflects our diverse traditions, philosophies, and way of life — grounding us in our roots and preserving the essence of who we are,” Joshi says.
“India is blessed with a wide, rich variety of art forms, but sadly, people tend not to recognise and appreciate cultural art forms. Of late, things are changing slowly, and people are being exposed to art and appreciating it as well,” Chowhan adds.
Art appreciation in India can grow when people are encouraged to see, experience, and engage with art. “By promoting local and emerging artists, creating more galleries and public installations, and using digital platforms to reach wider audiences, we can make art accessible and relatable,” Kanshi affirms.
Workshops, artist talks, and interactive sessions help people connect with the creative process. “Admiration can then turn into deeper understanding and inspiration,” she adds.
Thampuran believes true art appreciation begins when we create safe spaces for people to express themselves without fear of judgment. “We need to introduce the language of art and self-expression at a very young age, especially in schools,” he advises.
The word ‘art’ may seem small, but it holds countless layers of meaning. “When people are given the chance to explore their own inner worlds through creative expression, they also begin to value art in others,” he adds.
Ganga Joshi
India has a rich artistic tradition woven into its cultural fabric. “We need to bring that spirit into the modern world through public art installations, participatory art experiences, and platforms that invite people to engage, not just observe,” Thampuran recommends.
Above all, art must be respected within the education system. “Today, art is often treated as expendable – but in truth, it is what holds society together. It is the free expression of our identities and the collective mirror of who we are,” he affirms.
All the exhibitors also offer tips and words of advice for aspiring artists. “Create fearlessly, observe deeply, and keep learning. Stay true to your unique voice, embrace patience, and see every mistake as a step forward,” Kanshi suggests.
It is important to connect with the community. “Experiment boldly, and remember that art is more than technique – it is a reflection of your soul, your perspective, and your journey,” she adds.
“The mantra is to never give up and continue thriving. If you are so much in love with art, then you will definitely go a long way,” Chowhan says.
Aspiring artists should stay true to their voice. “Keep learning and create consistently. Embrace mistakes as part of growth. Stay connected with the art community, share your work authentically, and believe in your journey,” Joshi advises.
“Aspiring artists should devote their time to honing their skills. They should create a sense of purpose and depth to their art,” Singh recommends.
An artist must always remain a student. “They should be observant, curious and open to endless possibilities for growth. Every new encounter, whether it is with fellow artists or art appreciators, expands my vision and reveals perspectives I hadn’t seen before,” Thampuran observes.
“When the canvas is in front of you, it is an invitation to be brave – to push the envelope of your creativity to its furthest point. Each time I take that leap, I am surprised by what emerges,” he says.
Thampuran’s key message to aspiring artists is to be brave. “Tell your own stories. Don’t just emulate other styles or voices,” he says.
“We live in a world that is boundless and interconnected — a space where we can access artistic philosophies and styles from every corner of the globe. This is the greatest melting pot in the history of art,” he observes.
But while drawing inspiration from the world, creation must come from a place of honesty. “Explore freely, experiment boldly," he urges.
"Evolve your style through the endless possibilities available to you — but at the core, let your story be your anchor,” Thampuran urges.
“When you stand at the centre of your art, what emerges is true expression. When you don’t, it risks becoming just design. And art, at its heart, is far more than that. It is your voice, your truth, your way of being in the world,” Thampuran signs off.
Now, what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.)
Edited by Jyoti Narayan