Today we’d like to introduce you to Anoushka Bhalla.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into the world of art began with a passion for creative expression and a deep-seated curiosity about the human experience. Initially drawn to literature, I explored storytelling through writing before a stroke of luck led me to India’s most prestigious art school. This serendipitous moment marked a pivotal shift, redirecting my path toward visual art.
My artistic practice, which navigates between the abstract and the representational, was initially influenced by my interest in historical colonial archives. The devastating legacy left behind formed the core inspiration for my work, creating a bridge between the past and the present with global implications.
Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in the works of various authors, poets, and artists, each contributing to the evolution of my artistic voice. From thinkers like Judith Herman, Mark Fisher, and Paul Celan to visual artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Anish Kapoor, these influences have shaped the conceptual and socio-political dimensions of my practice.
My goal has always been to shed light on marginalized narratives and ensure the enduring remembrance of overlooked histories. Through a research-based approach, drawing from archival photojournalism, I aim to recover the legacies of those who have long been forgotten as collateral damage.
Today, I find myself at the intersection of personal exploration and a commitment to societal reflection through art. The journey has been a continuous process of learning, growth, and a deepening understanding of the power art holds in unraveling the complexities of our shared history and human existence.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many creative journeys, mine has been a mix of smooth stretches and challenging terrains. The transition from a medical path (I initially intended to be a surgeon and was fully immersed in medical school) to the pursuit of literature and, eventually, art was a significant pivot marked by its share of uncertainties. Navigating through sustained periods of stress during my medical studies prompted the initial shift, and adapting to the unpredictability of a creative career had its own set of challenges.
Artistically, delving into the complexities of historical narratives, especially those tied to colonial legacies, posed its own set of emotional and conceptual challenges. Tackling themes of trauma, collective memory, and forgotten histories requires a delicate balance between personal exploration and the responsibility of representing these narratives authentically.
The art world itself, while incredibly rewarding, can be demanding. It involves continuous growth, adapting to new influences, and finding one’s unique voice amidst a vast and diverse landscape of creative expressions. Balancing the conceptual depth of my work with the practical aspects of building a career in the arts has been an ongoing process. Despite these challenges, I believe each hurdle has been an opportunity for growth and learning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Certainly! My art revolves around a visual exploration of the materialization of collective trauma and the decay of intergenerational memory. While I work in both two and three-dimensional mediums, I’ve lately been gravitating more towards painting, especially oil and mixed media. In fact, I often use symbolically-charged elements like terracotta, coal, and ash in my works, which add a layer of depth and address themes of destruction and the collective unconscious of a shared past.
One of the aspects I strive towards in my work is delving into the conceptual and socio-political implications of my art practice. It’s not just about creating visually striking pieces but about engaging in a dialogue that challenges collective memory. What distinguishes my approach is the blending of conceptual and socio-political perspectives with a research-based methodology. Drawing inspiration from archival photojournalism, I endeavor to unearth the legacies of those overlooked as collateral damage. I am unwavering in my commitment to illuminating marginalized narratives and ensuring the lasting remembrance of forgotten histories. Essentially, my work aims to forge connections between the past and present, the individual and collective. It provides viewers with a contemplative space to grapple with the profound complexities embedded in our shared human history.
What sets my practice apart is the intersection of literature, history, and art in my work. My background in literature informs the narrative aspects of my work, while a deep appreciation for history provides a contextual richness, creating a space for dialogue.
Ultimately, I take pride in contributing to the broader conversation about the power of art in addressing complex historical legacies and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that many people who know me or my work might not be aware of is that, despite being an existentialist through and through, I am inherently a nostalgic and wistful person. My art occasionally draws inspiration from romanticism and its notions. While my core philosophy is rooted in existentialism and ontology, there’s a nuanced layer influenced by a deep appreciation for symbolism. My interest in philosophy, of course, plays a crucial role in shaping the philosophical underpinnings of my work. Yet, beneath the surface of existential contemplation, there is a thread of romantic influence, a connection to the sentimental aspects of human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: anoushkabhalla.com
- Instagram: anoushkabhalla.studio
