Many few artists fervently use art as a powerful bridge, to aim and combat the misrepresentation and underrepresentation of South Asian culture on the global stage. Neha Shetty is one such illustrator from Bangalore who draws inspiration from her South Asian heritage and the colourful, maximalist aesthetic that characterises the region. Her psychedelic funky creations breathe life into narratives often overlooked in mainstream media.
Neha's creative process and artistic repertoire is a reflection of her eclectic influences and commitment to authenticity. Drawing inspiration from the world around her, she infuses her illustrations with vibrant colours and intricate details reminiscent of hand-painted Bollywood posters. Her South Asian identity serves as both a muse and a mission, driving her to represent her culture accurately while challenging stereotypes and underrepresentation.
Moreover, she finds immense beauty in this traditional form of art and hopes to see a resurgence in its popularity amidst the current fascination with digitally enhanced artwork. However, Neha's creative spirit goes beyond mere reverence for the past. She actively seeks to challenge conventional norms and push boundaries, as evidenced by her past workshops, where she explored unconventional ways to showcase art in everyday objects like matchboxes.
This desire to break the mold extends to her latest venture - a collection of notebooks and notepads. In a market saturated with stationery, Neha's notebooks and notepads stand out as more than just functional items.
Through intricate, detailed illustrations, Neha creates a narrative that subtly represents South Asian iconography and evokes feelings of nostalgia with nods to childhood favourites like Mango Bite candies.
These notebooks serve not only as tools for jotting down thoughts but also as statements, making users engage with their cultural heritage and contemplate societal norms.
Her notebooks delves deeper, incorporating curated text that hints at social issues within the South Asian community, viewed through a feminist lens. These nuances, however, are not presented in a confrontational manner as they require the viewer to actively engage and look beyond the surface.
Neha's latest collection of notebooks and notepads offers a wide range of options, each showcasing her eclectic style and dedication to cultural representation. From the whimsical 'BrownGirl Magic Notebook' to the nostalgic 'Mango Bite Notepad', users can explore designs where South Asian iconography meets contemporary flair. Other highlights include the playful 'Cat Notebook', the retro charm of the 'Retro Tiger Notepad', and the unique 'Alien Notepad'.
Get your notebooks here.