#HGArtProject 010 : Arushi Kathuria

Every week, we convert our Facebook page into a revolving art space wherein we feature the works of various artists across the country as our cover art. Moving into double digits, we're digging a little deeper into Arushi Kathuria's design philosophy this edition. With a focus on illustration, cartooning and digital art, Arushi's art is loaded with colour, texture and dimension; we just had to get the full disclosure from her about the story behind it. 

1. Give us a brief idea on your background? Like where did you study design and where have you worked?

I studied Animation Film Design at the National Institute of Design and currently, I am working at MTV in Mumbai.

2. Which are some of your biggest inspirations over the years of your artistic career?

Definitely Quentin Blake. I love the way his illustrations get Roald Dahl's crazy characters to life. Roald Dahl, being such an amazing author, has been a big inspiration for me as well.

His work used to make my imagination run wild as a kid and it still does. Another artist whose work has really inspired me is Leif Podhajsky. His work is very surreal and psychedelic with very saturated colours. I absolutely love his colour sense.

3. Could you tell us more about the thought process behind the artwork you made us?

I am quite a dreamer. A lot of my work is inspired by my dreams. So I wanted my illustration for Homegrown to reflect that. I have illustrated the word 'Euneirophrenia' which means 'the peace of mind that comes from having pleasant dreams'.

This is an illustration of me getting transported into my dream world. I imagine it to be this surreal place with iridescent and fluorescent colours all around me with things and people that don't exist in the real world. It is my happy place.

4. Who are some of your most inspirational artists in India and abroad? I know that you have various inspirations , but if you can share a few would be great :)

Shaun Tan, Gringo and Aakash Nihalani are some of my favourites. I love how Joan Cornella's work has this weird dark humor. Sameer Kulavoor and Lokesh Karekar are some of the Indian artists I really like.

5. If you could work with the Indian government for an art project that you get to suggest and lead, what would that be?

I would be interested in creating usable public spaces, restoration of existing public spaces and making them more inviting and interesting through various artistic mediums and also would love to get involved with street art projects.

6. What are your future plans ? Any projects you would like to kick off or possibly work for a big art house?

I am planning to work for a while and then probably do post graduation in illustration.

But, eventually I want to open my own studio and make illustrations and music videos.

7. Could you share 3 of your best designs and elaborate on each one of them?

1. These two illustrations are a part of 'The Dream Series' that me and my friend started, where we illustrated our dreams every week.

The first illustration is of my grandmother walking with me on the beach and lifting up the sea to show me a different universe underneath.

The second one is of me getting trapped in a washroom full of these baby birds who refused to stop pooping on me.

2. This is one of my very recent works. It is a self portrait of me dancing though space. I always wanted to be an astronaut, so a lot of my illustrations consist of celestial objects.

3. I made this clay illustration for 'The Animal Project'. Artists from all around the world participated and made their own version of the 'Animal' logo. This is my version of my favourite animal (the pig) in the medium I love to work with the most.

8. Quick question round:

- One track your currently listening to?

Palmbomen- Black Safari

- An artwork you wished you did?

This poster for Bobby. (image attached- bobby)

- An art project you wish you were a part of?

I really wish I was a part of the OK GO music video- The writing's on the wall.

All of their videos are huge art projects!

- Your favourite munchies?

Nutella Crepes.. or just give me a big jar of Nutella and I'll be happy. :D

- Paint or wacom bamboo?