About Me

Thank you for visiting my website.

Happily known as one of the most promising artists in the current Indian art scene, I am Arpa Mukhopadhyay, an Indian contemporary visual artist based in Pune, India, and here is the story of my art.

As an artist with a unique artistic expression, my work is deeply rooted in a lifelong practice of observation and artistic expression. Born in rural Bengal, I spent my childhood wandering the narrow streets of my small village, absorbing the rhythms of rural life before moving to the bustling city of Mumbai, my upbringing in completely contrasting environments profoundly shaped my distinct artistic vision. Now creating from my quiet Pune home studio, I also draw inspiration from the natural world around me, infusing my work with introspection and vitality. 

A pretty significant body of my paintings focuses on women’s lived experiences, drawing from my early observations of women in everyday life—whether in rural or urban settings, and across middle-class to affluent lifestyles. My signature style is steeped in traditional Indian aesthetics, inspired by folk art, such as the Kalighat paintings and the Bengal School of Art paintings that I encountered during my stay in Bengal, which I try to seamlessly integrate with the contemporary themes and practices I developed as an adult. 

My compositions are known for their vibrant colours, layered textures, and meticulous brushwork, creating striking narratives that capture the intersection of tradition and modernity. 

 
In my work, the boundaries between myth and reality often blur, offering my viewers a rich tapestry of meaning. Spirituality and mythology are significant influences, with mythological figures portrayed not as distant relics but as living forces shaping the present. The timelessness of nature and cultural heritage mingles with the fluid realities of modern life.

My paintings are both universal and boundless, embodying deep connections to nature, tradition, spirituality, and identity while reflecting moments of personal introspection. 

My work is a study in contrasts, juxtaposing the timelessness of rural life with the vibrancy of city life. Bold, vivid colours—blues, reds, greens and yellows—create strong visual impact, while the attention to detail, such as the saree patterns and recurring motifs of strength and resilience, form a unifying thread across my body of work. 

Over the years, my artwork has garnered recognition through features in publications, exhibitions, and private collections across India and abroad. By blending Indian tradition, nature, and contemporary sensibilities, my paintings invite viewers to explore the layers of meaning within their own interpretations of the shared human experience and the distinct paths we each travel, making my art both universal and intensely personal.