This new piece draws from the vibrant tradition of pookalams—intricate floral mandalas made during the Onam festival in Kerala. I approached it through my signature method of piping acrylic paint to create highly textured surfaces, so every “petal” is sculpted rather than painted flat. The colors and layout reference the traditional flowers used in Kerala, celebrating both the ritual and the artistry behind it.
For me, this work is about honoring a cultural practice that brings people together in joy and gratitude. By translating an ephemeral art form into a textured, permanent painting, I’m exploring how traditions continue to evolve while staying rooted in memory and belonging.
Size 20” x 20” x 1.5”, Acrylics on Wooden Panel.