The IndoIndians Diwali Bazaar 2024 was more than just a shopping and food extravaganza—it was a vibrant showcase of artistic talent that added depth and beauty to the festive celebrations. This year, we were privileged to host a group of incredibly talented artists, each bringing their unique vision, culture, and creativity to life through their work. Here’s a closer look at the featured artists who made the bazaar shine:
1. Aparna Rajan
Aparna Raju Rajan is an accomplished artist with roots in southern India, whose work is deeply influenced by her cultural heritage and connection to nature. With a background in History of Art and Design, she spent a decade focusing on textiles before returning to painting eight years ago. Her vibrant acrylic paintings blend traditional motifs with personal narratives drawn from her experiences in India, Singapore, and Indonesia. Aparna’s art has been exhibited internationally, including in Milan, Surabaya, and Singapore, and she continues to share her work both locally and online through Saatchi Art and Instagram @rajanaparnar.
2. Drishti Tolani
Drishti Tolani is a freelance interior designer and self-taught artist whose creative journey began during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a passion for acrylic painting, Drishti delves into themes of human connection, social narratives, and spiritual exploration. Her work, infused with vibrant imagination, reflects her unique perspective and artistic spirit. Encouraged by her family, Drishti is excited to present her debut exhibition, where her innovative approach and personal touch are on full display. She also offers personalized artwork and replicas, inviting conversations about the inspiration and process behind her creations.
3. Kalpana Shah
Kalpana Shah is a distinguished artist celebrated for her vibrant and culturally rich paintings. With a diploma in Interior Design and a graduation from Delhi University, Kalpana has developed a distinctive style that merges traditional Indian themes with modern artistic expression. Her work, primarily in oil and acrylic, showcases bold colors and intricate details, reflecting a deep exploration of Indian mythology and spirituality. Kalpana’s recent participation in an art exhibition at The Westin Hotel, Jakarta, marks a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her dedication to sharing her artistic vision with the Indian diaspora and beyond. Her paintings invite viewers to delve into the depth of Indian culture while experiencing the universal emotions and vibrancy of contemporary art.
4. Neelam Nautiyal
Neelam Nautiyal is a self-taught artist whose passion for art has evolved into a dynamic and creative career. With no formal training, she has explored various artistic forms, driven by a curiosity to connect with her cultural roots and express her creativity. Alongside her role as a first-generation entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry, Neelam dedicates time to her artistic pursuits, focusing on clay work, mixed media, and texture-based art.
Guided by her cultural heritage and inspired by nature and human emotions, Neelam blends tradition with innovation, aiming to evoke connection and contemplation in her viewers. Explore her work on Instagram at @creativecrafts_neelam.
5. Shweta Anand
Shweta Anand is an Indian artist renowned for her stunning custom portraits created using the resin diamond art format. With a degree in Visual Communication and a Master’s in Management, Shweta transitioned from a career in communication to pursue her passion for art. What began as a hobby during the pandemic quickly blossomed into a profound artistic endeavor, where she transforms photographs into elaborate masterpieces. The unique play of light on the thousands of beads in her canvases offers a mesmerizing visual experience from every angle.
In addition to her custom portraits, Shweta crafts hand-painted home décor items and origami mandalas, blending the art of paper folding with mandala concepts.
6. Sithara Shah
Sithara Shah is a self-taught Indonesian artist of Indian ethnicity known for her impressionistic style and powerful portrayals of everyday women. Since the age of 13, her art has highlighted the strength and beauty of women embracing both growth and heritage. Sita’s work bridges modernity and tradition, celebrating women’s empowerment while honoring their cultural roots. Her career milestones include a successful exhibition in 2008 with Indo Indians and collaborations with women-owned brands in Indonesia. Inspired by historical figures like Indira Gandhi and Ibu Kartini, Sithara’s art reflects her belief in the profound impact of embracing one’s identity. Discover her creations on Instagram at @sitamyseven.
7. Subhashree Tripathy
Subhashree Tripathy, an artist from Puri, Odisha, began her artistic journey in 2021 during a professional break from her IT career. Deeply inspired by devotion and Hindu deities, her work reflects a spiritual connection, with a focus on traditional Indian art forms like Kerala Murals and Pattachitra. One of her signature pieces is a unique interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita’s Vibhuti Yoga. Her work gained recognition at the Indo Indians Diwali Bazaar in 2022, where her originality was widely praised. For Subhashree, painting is a meditative practice, connecting her to the divine.
8. Sonia Lakhiani
Sonia Lakhiani is a talented resin artist creating exquisite home goods, including platters, bowls, vases, side tables, and wall art. With a passion for combining functionality and beauty, Sonia uses resin to craft unique, high-quality pieces that add a touch of elegance to any space. Their work features vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a glossy finish, creating visually stunning pieces that are both decorative and practical. From statement wall art to everyday home accessories, Sonia’s creations reflect a keen eye for design and a commitment to craftsmanship.
A Platform for Artistic Exchange
These talented artists provided not just a visual feast, but also a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and appreciation for diverse forms of creativity. Their artwork resonated deeply with the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, offering a sense of nostalgia and connection to their roots while engaging new audiences.
Visitors to the bazaar were captivated by the talent on display, with many leaving with one-of-a-kind pieces to adorn their homes, making art a meaningful part of their Diwali celebrations.
A Bright Future for Artistic Collaboration
The IndoIndians Diwali Bazaar continues to be an important platform for showcasing local and Indian artists in Indonesia, providing them the opportunity to share their stories, creativity, and passion with a broader audience. We look forward to nurturing more talent in the years to come, ensuring that art remains at the heart of our cultural celebrations.
