In this exclusive conversation, we delve into the life and art of a contemporary visual artist whose work speaks the language of introspection, detail, and dreamlike realism. Born in Bareilly and trained in textile design, Ankita spent over 16 years navigating the fashion industry before turning fully toward her true calling—art. Her intricate black-and-white compositions, often rooted in zentangle-inspired motifs and emotional depth, explore the unseen world within and around us.
From railway quarters and fabric prints to murals across cities, she has carved her path with quiet persistence and bold imagination. Influenced by masters like HR Giger and Irina Vinnik, and shaped equally by Instagram’s virtual classrooms, her style bridges solitude with surrealism, memory with magic.
Currently living a nomadic, project-based life, she brings her art to life across cities and surfaces—turning each wall into a story and each stroke into a self-discovery.
In the interview that follows, the artist opens up about her journey, inspirations, evolving style, and future dreams—offering us an intimate portrait of a creative soul constantly in motion.
Q1. Tell us about your birth, family, early locality, childhood, and friendships.
I was born and raised in Bareilly—a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, growing faster than I could ever keep pace with. As a child, I was an introvert, often retreating into my world. I found solace in art and athletics—drawing and painting became not just hobbies, but my language of expression, a way to escape the chaos of the crowd and channel my inner world.
I lived with my parents and elder brother in a modest railway quarter. Though small by today’s standards, it felt nothing short of a palace to me back then. I was treated like a little princess by everyone around—family and friends alike. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had a circle of truly amazing friends, two of whom remain by my side to this day.
By the age of 17, I had fallen in love with fabric printing—something I first encountered in school. That passion became my compass, leading me to step out into the world to learn more about textiles and design.
Q2. Share your academic journey.
At seventeen, I left home to study textile design, art, drawing, and painting (Honours) at Banasthali Vidyapeeth near Jaipur. It was my first taste of independence and creative exploration. Later, I moved to New Delhi to pursue a postgraduate diploma from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), Delhi. There, I met people from diverse backgrounds, and it opened my eyes to how differently the same everyday things could be perceived. It was a valuable lesson in empathy, observation, and perspective—one that would later shape both my art and my worldview.
Q3. What inspired you to work in the field of painting? Were there any key teachers or mentors?
After completing my post-graduation, the world began to expand before me—quite literally. Through work-related travel across borders, I got a chance to witness the vastness of the world and its endless inspiration. I spent 16 years in the textile industry, working in various sectors—from textile exports to retail brands and corporate firms. This exposure kept me in tune with ever-evolving trends and technologies, but deep within, there was always an unspoken need to express something more—something spiritual and reflective.
During those years, I would carve out time to draw and paint—a way to tap into a more introspective world within myself. Slowly, I began to explore this realm more intentionally. I followed artists whose work resonated with me, connected with communities online, and gradually, began permitting myself to make more space for art in my life. The more time I devoted to myself, the more I craved it. Ultimately, during the first lockdown in 2020, I decided to leave the corporate world behind and devote myself fully to my creative practice.
Although I received a formal education in design, the kind of art I create today wasn’t something I learned in any classroom. My real artistic evolution began through Instagram. It introduced me to a global community of talented artists whose processes and techniques became my virtual mentorship. Through tutorials, shared thoughts, and posts, I learned, unlearned, and slowly found my voice. Social media is often criticized, and rightly so at times, but for me, it became a window to a world I didn't know existed. It shaped me, taught me, and most importantly, reintroduced me to myself.
Q4. Describe your working style, genre, and artistic experience. Do you identify with any particular genre or influence?
My art is an extension of my inner world—intimate, introspective, and evolving. I began with line drawings and simple doodles which gradually matured into more intricate patterns—what some might call zentangle-inspired or detailed ink-based work. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through detail, and my dream is to eventually master a style of magical realism—where imagination blends seamlessly with reality.
A major milestone came in 2019, when I showcased my work at Comic Con. The response was overwhelmingly positive. It was humbling and validating—an experience that nudged me to keep creating, refining, and experimenting.
If I had to define my current style, I’d say it has a darker, introspective tone—shaped by a naturally stoic and reflective nature. I don’t shy away from complex themes or deep emotions. Instead, I embrace them. They give my work its gravity and depth.
My greatest artistic influences include HR Giger, Miles Johnson, Irina Vinnik, Samuel Gomez, Hannah Yata, JoKiArGu, and Robert Steven Connett. Their work continually pushes me to explore and expand my own creative boundaries.
At its core, my art is what I know best—my truest language. Every piece I create carries a version of me, and I hope those who engage with my work find something meaningful in that reflection.
Q5. Where are you based currently, and why?
For the past four years, I’ve embraced a nomadic lifestyle, moving from one place to another as projects take shape. I don’t have a fixed address—my studio is wherever the wall is, wherever the next blank canvas awaits.
I work mostly on large-scale wall art, which requires me to immerse myself in the community and the space I’m creating in. This constant movement, though unconventional, fuels my creativity. Every location brings fresh energy, new people, different stories, and perspectives that inform my art in unexpected ways.
In this lifestyle, the journey becomes part of the creation. I find home not in a single location, but in the very act of creating itself.
Q6. Have you exhibited your work?
I primarily display my work at art markets and independent showcases. These spaces allow me to connect directly with audiences and fellow creators. I value the raw, unscripted interactions these platforms offer—they often leave a lasting impact, both emotionally and creatively.
Q7. What are your future plans?
My plans are simple, but grounded in passion: to keep traveling, creating, tattooing, sketching—one wall, one city, one project at a time. I want to keep evolving toward the magical realism I dream of, while continuing to grow as both an artist and a human being.
The world is rich with stories, textures, and meaning—I hope to absorb and reflect that richness in my work. Every space I inhabit, every surface I paint, becomes a step forward in this lifelong journey of discovery.
Q8. Can you offer a critical reflection on your artistic style?
I often find myself drawn to stark contrasts—especially the black-and-white aesthetic. It feels intuitive and emotionally precise. There’s something about monochrome that helps me express intensity and complexity with clarity.
But I’m also aware that this strength can become a limitation. I frequently feel the pull to explore color, to embrace a wider spectrum of emotional and visual expression—but I also feel an inner resistance. Perhaps it’s a comfort zone I’ve grown too used to.
I know that growth lies beyond that line. I’m actively working to break through that barrier—both in my art and in my mindset. My goal is to integrate color into my practice in a way that enhances my narrative without losing the emotional depth I’ve cultivated in black and white.
Interview taken by Nirmalya Kumar Chattopadhyay
