Keerthana S Kumar
Keerthana S Kumar is a contemporary figurative painter based in India, recognized for her vibrant compositions and distinctive storytelling. Her work delves into themes of identity, culture, and human experiences, seamlessly bridging tradition and modernity through a bold, narrative-driven approach. Drawing from her Indian heritage and global influences, Keerthana creates art that speaks to diverse audiences.
Her artistic journey includes exhibitions at prominent art fairs like World Art Dubai and the India Art Festival. Her work has attracted collectors from India, the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Notably, a collection of 14 paintings resides at an IHG boutique hotel in Dubai.
Born and raised in India, Keerthana finds inspiration in the intersection of culture, consumerism, and global perspectives. Her travels broaden her artistic outlook, introducing fresh ideas and deepening her understanding of the world. This rich blend of experiences fuels her exploration of existential themes and the complexities of modern life.
Through her expressive use of colour and form, Keerthana’s work reflects her ongoing journey of self-discovery, inviting viewers to engage with the layered narratives embedded in each piece.
Artist Statement
My art is a dialogue between history and modernity, a meeting ground where the past informs the present, and the present reimagines the past. Drawing from historical paintings, sculptures, and everyday life, I create vivid scenes of realistic fiction that explore the complexities of human experiences. My work features characters painted in bold, saturated colours, inhabiting stylized, graphical environments. These characters embody desires, emotions, and gestures that resonate universally, yet they are deeply personal in their expression.
Each composition is thoughtfully designed to encapsulate multiple moments within a single frame. Drawing inspiration from the multifaceted gods of Indian mythology—often depicted with multiple hands holding symbolic objects—I portray subjects with more than two hands. Each gesture contributes to the narrative, weaving layers of meaning and action. This approach invites viewers to explore the intricate stories embedded within the scene, uncovering new dimensions with every glance.
Pop culture, Fauvism, and symbolism are at the heart of my creative process. I begin with digital collages made from found images, personal photographs, and objects encountered in my daily life. These collages serve as dynamic blueprints, allowing me to experiment with compositions before translating them into paintings.
Colour is my emotional language, a tool to challenge conventions and biases. Bold, expressive hues juxtaposed with black-and-white patterns redefine traditional notions tied to skin colour. By transforming realism into vibrant fiction, my work celebrates the freedom of identity, inviting viewers into a world where characters transcend limitations and embrace dynamic, liberated expressions of self.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023 World Art Dubai – Dubai, UAE
2022 Keeping It Real – Dubai, UAE
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 World Art Dubai – Dubai, UAE
2022 World Art Dubai – Dubai, UAE
2022 India Art Festival – Bangalore, India
2022 Khushii Whatsapp Artloot – India Online
2022 Trio, PXP Contemporary Art Gallery – Online
COMMISSIONS AND COLLECTIONS
2024 First Supper, Private collection of 14 paintings – Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown – Dubai, UAE