Manjari Sharma

Manjari Sharma's work is a painstakingly detailed recreation of the ubiquitous imagery we've seen growing up in India. Her new series of photographs titled ' Darshan' - refering to the viewing of the idols or representations of the Hindu dieties in temples, is a photographic installation of nine mythological Hindu gods and goddesses. The imagery is ingrained into my head, her interpretation is a fresh take on something that I've seen countless times.

Her words on Darshan, " Sometimes belonging to a complex and rich heritage is so overwhelming that you have to go far away to fall in love again"

"A real Darshan changes you forever. The sounds, sights, smells and visuals of a Darshan are very particular and you take them for granted as a teenager growing up in India. Try Ignoring them for a bit... and they return to you subconsciously making you long for what feels like a distant reverie"

Explore her work here.

Mashaal Arshad Khan + Nayna Sisodiya

 These London based surface textile designers, came together to design and create an explosive collection of seperates. The pieces themselves are simple and assymetric, keeping the focus on the beautiful fabric. The surface design is inspired by arabic script and indigenous art forms as well as the woman who takes on the roles of 'warrior', 'mother','provider'. The warm , colourful tones are reminiscent of both Mashaal and Nayna's south asian backgrounds. Very eye catching. 

Mia Sandhu

  Mia Sandhu is   a Toronto based visual artist who explores personal and contemporary cross cultural narratives. "My work explores and expands on the tension I feel as a second generation daughter of Sikh and Canadian heritage."Her works evoke a heavy sense of nostalgia and visual imagery of sepia toned photographs from the 80's. Love her illustrative style.

Mozez Singh

Mozez Singh’s first design collection is Mughal Pop.  The collection finds its inspiration 

from Mughal art/architecture/designs/motifs. Mozez explores the tradition and heritage of India by giving it a modern, contemporary and vant-garde twist. The utilitarian furniture pieces are made in various delightful colors of acrylic and jeweled with fabulous semi precious stones. This evokes a style more like pop art, but at the same time, the gems add a richness and luster that transports each piece to the royal era of the Mughals. Mughal Pop is a luxe collection of furniture, home accessories and objet d'art.

Harsh Raman Singh Paul

Harsh Raman Singh Paul is taking to the streets of Hauz Khaz and painting the walls. Interesting street art is a rarity in India, where the popular sights are the political posters and ironically interesting kitsch b grade film posters.

"I like to create Art that no one can own. Something that is not created with an intent to sell. It is free and pure. Its for the streets and those who dwell there. Reminding them of the precious things in life, that money still cant buy. All that you need is a soul that keeps you human and an imagination that takes you away."

Jasjyot Singh Hans

I've been a huge fan of Jasjyot's fashion illustrations. I particularly love this entry into the Air France+ Manish Arora contest, for aspiring fashion designers. Jasjyot's collection is inspired by the almost mundane and omnipresent starched white school uniforms that countless school girls wear . His structured silhouettes bring back some nostalgia. Vote for him here.

Meera Sethi

Foreign Returned explores South Asian identities through time and space while making specific references to Canada, India and Australia. Using vibrant colour and bold pattern, this new work offers a contemporary interpretation of iconography from 16th to 19th century Indian miniature paintings. Meera Sethi is an Indian born artist, based out of Toronto.

Manish Arora + Amrapalli

Manish Arora's collaboration with jewelry house Amrapalli features signature colourful pieces in gold with a lot of in lay and enamel work. Beautiful yet quirky pieces. Love love love it. Find it here.

Tobias Mergerie

Final Cut , a collection of skateboards hand carved in wood by craftspeople from Mahim, Mumbai, is the brainchild of German curator Tobias Megerle. Each piece is one of a kind, probably not very functional but extremely cool. This ones for the collectors! via CNN

Rishidev R.K

  "Rishidev rk, a man of many hats. Illustrator. Artist. Art Director. But the one he adorns the most is that of a sculptor. A Fine arts student from Kannur, Kerala, he has always followed his heart, right from his wall-scribbling days. Inspired by geometry in traditional art forms, his signature style includes a lot of colours and patterns. He started out his career in Bangalore working on several memorable advertising campaigns. In his free time, he has been seen creating designer sneakers, trunk boxes, clay models and other interesting artefacts. As part of his journey to learn and be part of bigger things, he has moved to Delhi and is currently an Art Director at Wieden + Kennedy."

Taarika John

Cochin born Taarika John is a compulsive reader and artist, and has been one from a very young age. As a child , she often had her fingers covered in paint, or her nose buried in a book. As an adult, nothing has changed, she says. 

"I love illustration and I am a chatterbox. I like to make people laugh. In social situations, I am often identified as a "story teller." "

I absolutely love her 'Kerela Alphabet' , that hits home (with me being a Malayali). Pretty endearing.