Namrata Kumar, an artist and graphic designer based in New Delhi, India, recently visited Kochi and Hampi, two cities rich in culture and history. Inspired by her travels and the people she encountered, Namrata created a series of artworks capturing the essence of her experiences. Her work is a reflection of the sights, sounds, and colours that invigorated and energised her during her journey. Through her artwork, Namrata transports viewers to the streets of Kochi and Hampi. Her digital art, created using Photoshop, offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the women she encountered.
What sets Namrata's work apart is her ability to find beauty and joy in the mundane moments of life. Through candid shots like sari-watching and flower-selling, she captures the romance and energy of these everyday scenes. Her use of colour and composition elevates these moments, making them feel like celebrations of life itself. Namrata’s artwork is characterised by its rich, textured strokes, which lend her pieces a raw, visceral quality and creates a sense of depth and movement that draws viewers in and immerses them in the scene.
In her series of works inspired by Kochi and Hampi, Namrata captures a range of moods and emotions. In some pieces, such as the woman making Kolam in her home in Anegundi, there is a sense of peacefulness and serenity. Namrata's artwork also depicts a range of scenes and settings. From the streets of Mattancherry, where women sell salt and oil outside the Durga Temple, to the tranquil surroundings of the Thekkemadom Agraharam, where a woman stands guard at the gates, her artwork captures the diverse beauty of these two cities. Whether it's the vibrant colours of the flowers being sold outside the church in Mattancherry, or the muted tones in Hampi, Namrata's artwork captures the essence of these places with authenticity and depth.