Undergraduate uni work from 2018-2022
Empowering Transport workers post pandemic
COVID-19 has profoundly impacted lives worldwide, causing economic crises and varying degrees of mental health challenges. Essential workers, especially those reliant on public transportation, have faced significant hurdles to make ends meet after lockdowns grounded many vehicles. While employees received stipends, independent transport owners like taxi and rickshaw drivers struggled without income.
Inspired by my father's stamp collection hobby, I decided to create stamps as a way to memorialise this historic and chaotic period. Drawing inspiration from Shepard Fairey's mural "Make Art Not War," I opted for a minimalist approach with bold, straightforward illustrations.
Inspired by my father's stamp collection hobby, I decided to create stamps as a way to memorialise this historic and chaotic period. Drawing inspiration from Shepard Fairey's mural "Make Art Not War," I opted for a minimalist approach with bold, straightforward illustrations.
Woodcut Printing
Learning woodcut printing is a skill I'll always cherish. I still keep in touch with that method of illustration because the textures it produces are unmatched by digital means. Despite its seemingly straightforward process, the real magic lies in the planning and workshop sessions that shape an artwork born from woodcut prints. As an illustrator, I'll forever have a soft spot for them.
The following illustration is based on the book "A Flowering Tree," a tale of two women driven apart by jealousy—a theme all too familiar in our society, driven by human nature. We often let envy cloud our judgement and take actions that harm ourselves. That's why I depicted a woman holding a dangerous, venomous snake in the artwork. It symbolises how we knowingly engage with envy, despite knowing it can bite us back.
The following illustration is based on the book "A Flowering Tree," a tale of two women driven apart by jealousy—a theme all too familiar in our society, driven by human nature. We often let envy cloud our judgement and take actions that harm ourselves. That's why I depicted a woman holding a dangerous, venomous snake in the artwork. It symbolises how we knowingly engage with envy, despite knowing it can bite us back.
Fevikwik ad.
I really connect with ads that are straightforward and add a bit of humour. After looking into this type of advertising, I decided to take a shot at one of my favourite brand campaigns by FeviKwik, but in illustrated form instead of their usual video ads. Illustrations work great on social media, where they catch attention quickly and get lots of engagement.
My ad idea revolves around a common superstition in India: the belief that hanging a lemon and chilli in your car brings good luck and wards off bad omens. To play on this, I focused on the idea that a broken mirror is considered extremely unlucky. That’s where my concept took shape.
The illustration shows a car's rear view mirror cracked. The lemon, chilli, and a chanting mala (rosary) represent someone who is clearly superstitious. FeviKwik comes in to fix the mirror and remove even the smallest bit of bad luck. The tagline says it all: “नज़र से भी बचाए” which means “(fevikwik) can save you from bad luck”.
My ad idea revolves around a common superstition in India: the belief that hanging a lemon and chilli in your car brings good luck and wards off bad omens. To play on this, I focused on the idea that a broken mirror is considered extremely unlucky. That’s where my concept took shape.
The illustration shows a car's rear view mirror cracked. The lemon, chilli, and a chanting mala (rosary) represent someone who is clearly superstitious. FeviKwik comes in to fix the mirror and remove even the smallest bit of bad luck. The tagline says it all: “नज़र से भी बचाए” which means “(fevikwik) can save you from bad luck”.
INDIAN MYTHOLOGICAL VILLAIN
India has a rich tapestry of diverse mythological narratives, each influencing the broader saga of Indian mythology. Traditionally, these tales highlight the triumph of good over evil and are passed down through generations. This transmission can lead to modifications, making the stories partial or incomplete, presenting only a single perspective.
To address this, I aim to shed light on different angles of these mythological characters, exploring their complexities and layers. This approach challenges the reliance on singular narratives, which often lead to default assumptions and misunderstandings. By rejecting the single story, we can see the complete picture, realising that there was never a partial perspective to begin with. Understanding both the "positive" and "negative" characters in these epics provides us with deeper knowledge and valuable morals.
While researching various narratives of the Ramayan, I stumbled upon the character of Ravana, often seen as the antagonist, and decided to explore his side of the story. Ravana had a life before he became the demon king who needed to be slain. Delving into different accounts of his childhood and learning how various parts of South India worship him, I curated a semi-fictional story about his past. This approach makes it easier for preteens to understand and develop an interest in the complexities of this mythological character.
To address this, I aim to shed light on different angles of these mythological characters, exploring their complexities and layers. This approach challenges the reliance on singular narratives, which often lead to default assumptions and misunderstandings. By rejecting the single story, we can see the complete picture, realising that there was never a partial perspective to begin with. Understanding both the "positive" and "negative" characters in these epics provides us with deeper knowledge and valuable morals.
While researching various narratives of the Ramayan, I stumbled upon the character of Ravana, often seen as the antagonist, and decided to explore his side of the story. Ravana had a life before he became the demon king who needed to be slain. Delving into different accounts of his childhood and learning how various parts of South India worship him, I curated a semi-fictional story about his past. This approach makes it easier for preteens to understand and develop an interest in the complexities of this mythological character.
CHARCOAL ILLUSTRATION
This painting is inspired by a doha (poem) by Sant Kabir. The poet talks about a swan, a naturally beautiful bird living a simple life and asks the swan about its origin and its way of life, subtly suggesting that the swan represents our inner selves. He's urging us to look within and reflect on what truly traps us in the material riches of life when everything eventually fades away.
In my artwork, the lady represents mankind, while the swan symbolises beauty and fragility, mirroring Kabir's metaphor. The flowers signify life's mortality, and the ocean represents infinite continuity.
The process began with digitally conceptualising my idea on Photoshop, using reference images and collage techniques. I had never experimented with charcoal before, and honestly, I was quite scared at first. But as I trusted the process and gradually brought the painting to life, it became easier. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling projects I've ever undertaken.
In my artwork, the lady represents mankind, while the swan symbolises beauty and fragility, mirroring Kabir's metaphor. The flowers signify life's mortality, and the ocean represents infinite continuity.
The process began with digitally conceptualising my idea on Photoshop, using reference images and collage techniques. I had never experimented with charcoal before, and honestly, I was quite scared at first. But as I trusted the process and gradually brought the painting to life, it became easier. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling projects I've ever undertaken.
TODDLER STORY BOOK
As a student, I created customizable books for toddlers, featuring animals designed to resemble the family members of the protagonist child. This approach helps children learn about family relationships, as well as animals, their sounds, and their habitats. These books are particularly beneficial for kids in nuclear families, where parents want to foster a closer connection to their extended family.
The initial theme focused on farm animals and their sounds. Later, the collection was expanded to include samples with aquatic and jungle themes, enriching the learning experience with a diverse range of animals and environments.
The initial theme focused on farm animals and their sounds. Later, the collection was expanded to include samples with aquatic and jungle themes, enriching the learning experience with a diverse range of animals and environments.