Watch & Listen to this podcast Episode.
In this episode of “Arts to Hearts Podcast”, host Charuka Arora interviews one of our featured artists of ATH Magazine Issue 6 artist Mira Malhotra. Together, they dive deep into the important role art plays in changing how people think about stereotypes. Mira opens up about her personal journey and shares the experiences that have made her the artist she is today.
Charuka and Mira talk about how artists can use their creativity to break down old ideas. They discuss how art can spark meaningful conversations and lead to real social change. Mira also talks about the challenges she has faced as a woman artist and how she has overcome them. She shares practical tips and strategies that she uses in her work to tackle issues like gender dynamics and other societal perceptions.
Listeners will get to hear Mira’s thoughts on how the art world is changing and becoming more inclusive. She gives valuable advice to fellow artists who want to make a difference with their work. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in how art can influence society and for artists who are looking for inspiration to challenge stereotypes through their art.
Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that will leave you thinking about the power of art in a whole new way.
| Timestamp | Summary |
|---|---|
| – | Transitioning from Designer to Artist: A Personal Journey |
| – | The Journey of Finding Your Artistic Identity |
| – | Exploring Indian Family Dynamics Through Digital Art |
| – | Women and Public Spaces: Challenging Norms Through Art |
| – | Challenging Gender Norms and Embracing Authenticity in Creative Fields |
About the Guest(s):
Meera Malhotra is a designer, illustrator, and artist based in Mumbai. She is the founder of Studio Pole and focuses on issues of gender and mental health in her work. Meera’s art often explores the identity of Indian women and challenges societal norms through vibrant illustrations and character designs. She is passionate about creating meaningful artwork that addresses overlooked topics and aims to bridge the gap between mainstream and marginalized narratives.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Arts2Huts podcast, host Charu Kaarora welcomes Meera Malhotra as they delve into the world of art, gender dynamics, and societal perceptions. Meera discusses her journey from being a designer to an artist, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-discovery in creative pursuits. The conversation touches on themes of femininity, domesticity, and the concept of loitering in public spaces as an act of empowerment.
Key points covered in the episode:
- Meera’s evolution from illustrator to artist, exploring themes of gender and mental health.
- The intersection of art, gender dynamics, and domesticity in Indian society.
- Challenging traditional notions of femininity through artwork and character design.
- The significance of reclaiming public spaces as a form of resistance and empowerment.
- Breaking free from societal expectations and embracing authenticity in creative expression.
Key Takeaways:
- Meera’s art challenges gender norms and explores the unseen dynamics of Indian homes.
- The artist emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression in creative work.
- Art as a tool for societal change, highlighting marginalized voices and overlooked narratives.
- Reclaiming public spaces as an act of empowerment and defiance against gender stereotypes.
- The journey of transitioning from a designer to an artist, with a focus on personal growth and self-discovery.
Notable Quotes:
- “The idea of being able to occupy public spaces as a woman challenges traditional norms and empowers individuals to be seen for who they are.” – Meera Malhotra
- “Art has the power to alter perspectives and change the way we perceive the world around us, offering a deeper understanding of diverse experiences.” – Meera Malhotra
- “Reclaiming public spaces as a form of resistance is a way to challenge societal norms and assert one’s presence in a world that often limits our freedom to exist authentically.” – Meera Malhotra
- “Authenticity in creative expression is a powerful tool for breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one’s true self.” – Meera Malhotra
- “Art has the ability to bridge the gap between mainstream narratives and marginalized voices, offering a platform for diverse stories to be heard and celebrated.” – Meera Malhotra
Don’t miss out on the full episode for more engaging insights and inspiring conversations with Meera Malhotra.
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.
Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognizing women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolizing their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.
Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.
Arts to Hearts Podcast is a show delving into the lives and passions of renowned artists. From running creative businesses and studio art practices to cultivating a successful mindset, Charuka Arora engages in heartfelt conversations with her guests. Experience your personal happy hour with your favorite artists, right in your studio.
Through candid discussions, Charuka and her guests reveal the joys and challenges of a vibrant creative life, both within and beyond our studios. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you tune in.
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Kohla is the personal work of Mira F. Malhotra, a Mumbai-based visual artist & illustrator, and the founder of Studio Kohl.
Mira is known for her memorable, colourful illustrations that incorporate pop culture references, nostalgia, humour, feminist themes for a modern India, odd animals and playful characters. She is heavily influenced by DIY, alternative culture and the punk rock ethos.
Nominated as one of the top 30 illustrators in India by Creative Gaga magazine, her clients have included Whatsapp, Nike, Penguin Random House, Adobe, Godrej, Meta, Sony Music, British Council, AIGA, Kulture Shop, Apple, Facebook, Snapchat, Grazia India, Adidas and many more.
By day she is the principal designer and founder of Studio Kohl India, since 2013. She served as a jury member for the Drum Awards for design 2021 and 2022. Mira is a co-founding member of the South Asian feminist collective, Kadak.
In a thought-provoking discussion, Meera Malhotra delves into the challenges and triumphs of embracing authenticity as a woman in the creative field. From gender norms to societal expectations, she sheds light on the journey of navigating the art world while staying true to oneself.
Breaking Away from Gender Norms: In a society rife with predefined gender roles, Meera’s journey of embracing her authentic self challenges traditional notions of femininity and masculinity. She emphasizes the importance of being able to exist as gender nonconforming and how this has influenced her creative expression. Meera’s boldness in reclaiming her identity serves as a beacon of inspiration for others who seek to break free from societal constraints.
Meera elucidates, “I don’t believe in being political to the point of ostracizing people. I aim to create art that starts a dialogue rather than alienating individuals. It’s about challenging perceptions and giving voice to marginalized narratives that are often overlooked.”
Navigating Appearance and Behaviors: Meera candidly discusses the impact of appearance on how women are perceived in the creative field. She reveals the scrutiny she has faced regarding her appearance and behavioural traits and how it has influenced her journey as a creator. From walking into spaces with confidence to embracing her own unique style, Meera highlights the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressures.
Meera reflects, “The expectation for women to conform to certain standards, both in appearance and behavior, can be suffocating. By creating my own space, I have liberated myself from these constraints and focused solely on my art.”
Creating Empowering Spaces: The conversation transitions to the significance of creating empowering spaces for oneself in the face of gender biases and societal expectations. Meera emphasizes the importance of establishing environments that foster creativity and authenticity, free from external judgments. By prioritizing her work and staying true to her vision, she has carved out a space where her art can flourish uninhibited.
Meera asserts, “Empowering oneself means creating spaces where one’s creativity can thrive without the influence of external biases. It’s about embracing authenticity and celebrating individuality in a world that often seeks to confine us to narrow definitions of success.”
In Closing: Embracing authenticity, challenging gender norms, and creating empowering spaces are pivotal aspects of Meera Malhotra’s journey in the creative field. By staying true to herself and breaking away from societal expectations, she paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse art world. As we navigate the complexities of gender and creativity, let us draw inspiration from Meera’s resilience and commitment to authenticity.
By following Meera Malhotra’s insightful reflections, individuals in the creative field can embark on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and embracing authenticity without constraints. As we cultivate spaces that champion individuality and creativity, we pave the way for a more inclusive and liberated artistic landscape.
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