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Art has a way of reflecting the world around us, and today, a new generation of Indian artists are doing just that with modern viewpoints that challenge tradition and push boundaries. These artists, each with their own voices, are not just creating pieces—they’re sparking conversations and encouraging us to see the world differently.
Anikesa Dhing: A Medley of Materialism
Anikesa Dhing stands out in the Indian art community with her vibrant, pop-inspired creations that offer more than just visual allure. Based in Vadodara, Dhing’s works are an innovative exploration of how materialism influences our lives. Her bright colours and playful imagery might catch your eye, but it’s the underlying commentary on consumer culture that really makes her pieces stand out. It’s pop art with a purpose, inviting us to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the everyday things we often take for granted.
Anikesa Dhing, ‘The Stool Slipped On A Banana Peel’, Acrylic on Canvas. Courtesy Method Gallery.
Siddharth Gohil (Khatra): Urban Stories Unfolded
Siddharth Gohil, better known as Khatra, is transforming the streets of India with his murals that blend geometric designs with meaningful social commentary. Raised in Talaja, Gujarat, he drew inspiration from his family’s tailoring business, which sharpened his eye for form and colour. His passion for street art began during a project with St+art India, where his first experiments with spray paint ignited a lasting commitment to public art. Today, Khatra’s work is seen in places like New Delhi’s Lodhi Colony and Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock, turning everyday spaces into thought-provoking canvases. His murals aren’t just visual attractions—they’re conversation starters, encouraging public dialogue and making art accessible to everyone.
Siddharth Gohil AKA Khatra, completing a painted cycle lane in Lodhi Colony, 2020. Courtesy of the artist. Image Courtesy India Art Fair.
Rithika Merchant: Weaving Myth and Modernity
Rithika Merchant, a Mumbai-based artist, has a knack for turning myths into visually captivating stories through her unique combination of watercolour and cut paper. Her creations are like a playful conversation between the old and the new, featuring curious creatures and symbols that feel both familiar and intriguing. Drawing inspiration from 17th-century botanical prints and folk art, her work is all about connecting the dots between cultures. Nature plays a starring role, with fluid shapes and soft colours that make her art feel like it’s straight out of a dreamy, timeless world. After honing her skills at Parsons School of Design in New York, she’s taken her vibrant storytelling across the globe, with solo exhibitions from India to Europe and the U.S. Merchant’s art doesn’t just revisit the past—it reimagines it with a fresh twist that invites us to see the world through a more whimsical lens.
Rithika Merchant, ‘The Sixth Sunrise’. Image Credits: Artist.
Osheen Siva: Dreamscapes of Identity
Osheen Siva is an artist who isn’t afraid to break new ground. Based in Goa and connected to her Dalit and Tamil heritage, she conjures surreal worlds filled with mutants, hybrids, and reimagined figures that challenge conventional ideas of identity and power. Her work taps into speculative fiction and cultural symbols, creating spaces where marginalised voices take centre stage. Siva’s bold approach has caught the attention of major brands like Dr. Martens and Absolut, bringing her otherworldly visions to a global stage. Her art isn’t just about imagining the future; it’s about shaking up the present with bursts of colour and stories that demand attention
Osheen Siva, Space Head (Series), Image Credit: Osheen Siva
Avinash Kumar (AVI): Mastering the Art of Illusion
Avinash Kumar, or ‘AVI’ as he’s known on the streets, brings a fresh twist to public art with his anamorphic murals. He uses hyper-realism and graphic design to turn plain walls into intriguing visual puzzles that catch you off guard. AVI’s work does more than just add colour—it invites you to see the world around you differently. Influenced by the energy of urban life and digital art, his murals pop up in public spaces across India, each one challenging how we perceive reality. AVI’s art keeps you guessing, always revealing that there’s more than meets the eye.
Avinash in collaboration with Munir Bukhari, VIVO ‘Art Station’ in Sector 53 – 54. Courtesy XXL Collective.
Sahil Naik: Sculpting Memory from Silence
Sahil Naik takes sculpture to a new level by turning architecture into a storyteller. His installations, resembling intricate architectural models, aren’t just about structures—they’re about the hidden tales these buildings carry. Growing up in Goa, where history and architecture are interconnected, Naik became fascinated by how spaces reflect the political and social changes around them. Through projects like ‘Ground Zero: Site as Witness/Architecture as Evidence’ and ‘Monuments, Mausoleums, Memorials, Modernism,’ he explores how architecture acts as a silent observer of history. Naik’s work challenges us to rethink the forgotten corners of our world and the stories they quietly keep.
Sail Naik, ‘Lazaretto’, 2017. Copyright The Artist. Image Credit Experimenter.
India is seeing a wave of new talent, each artist bringing a distinct perspective to the forefront. As these creators make their impact, they encourage us to view things from new angles. Which artist stands out to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
