Pichwai, Reimagined
Preserving the essence of Pichwai through a modern artistic lens.
This collection of six paintings was commissioned by a family in Mumbai who wanted artwork that felt deeply Indian while blending effortlessly into their contemporary home.
The inspiration came from Pichwai art, a traditional Indian art form known for its intricate motifs, decorative richness and timeless beauty. What interested me most, however, was not recreating it exactly as it exists, but exploring how its essence could be translated into a more contemporary form.
Rather than working with the vibrant colours often associated with traditional Pichwai paintings, I chose a restrained monochromatic palette. Stripping away colour allowed the focus to shift towards form, texture and composition, giving the artwork a quieter and more refined presence within the space.
To add another layer of depth, selected elements were hand-embossed, creating subtle relief and texture across the surface. As natural light moves through the room, these details reveal themselves gradually, encouraging the viewer to notice something new each time.
What I enjoyed most about this project was finding a balance between tradition and modernity—honouring the character of a traditional art form while allowing it to feel at home in a contemporary space.
Projects like these are always special to me because they allow me to explore new ways of celebrating traditions that continue to inspire us today.
Have a story you’d like turned into a painting? I’d love to create one with you.