Amirthesh Prasad
Amirthesh Prasad was born in Bangalore, India, a city known for its tech-driven culture but not necessarily for its deep-rooted support of visual arts. Growing up in an environment where art was not as highly valued as other fields, particularly compared to countries with rich art traditions, Prasad had to carve out his own path to find recognition and opportunities. However, despite the challenges, he discovered a few notable platforms that gave him a chance to showcase his talent, leading to remarkable early successes.
One of his major breakthroughs came in 2011 when he participated in the Creative Imaging Contest, organized by EPSON, and the Designers of Tomorrow contest, conducted by Adobe. Both competitions were prestigious, offering recognition at a national level. For the EPSON contest, Prasad submitted two paintings and one photograph, while for the Adobe contest, he submitted a digital artwork.
The results were extraordinary. Prasad won first prize in the Creative Imaging Contest, which not only brought him recognition but also opened doors to new experiences. As part of his prize, he received an EPSON printer, a certificate, and an all-expense-paid trip to Taiwan, where he attended the award ceremony with his mother. One of the highlights of this journey was the exhibition of his artwork at the Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery (MOCA) in Taipei, Taiwan—an experience that left a deep impact on the young artist. “Having my work exhibited at an international venue was a surreal moment. It validated my efforts and made me realize the power of art to cross boundaries and connect with a global audience,” he reflects.
Prasad’s entry in the Designers of Tomorrow contest also earned him recognition, as he secured the position of third runner-up. Although the prizes here were more symbolic—a certificate, water bottle, pen drive, and a few other goodies—the competition's focus on digital artwork was significant. “This contest was important for me because it helped me explore digital media, which later became a crucial part of my artistic journey,” says Prasad.
Despite art’s relatively low standing in the cultural landscape he grew up in, Prasad found these contests and experiences to be instrumental in shaping his artistic development. They not only provided a platform for his creativity but also gave him the confidence to pursue art more seriously, recognizing the potential it had to communicate across cultures and mediums.
Prasad’s story exemplifies the challenges faced by artists in regions where art is not always seen as a viable career path. Yet, through perseverance and seizing the opportunities that came his way, he has managed to make a name for himself, both in his home country and internationally. His journey stands as an inspiring example of how talent and determination can overcome environmental limitations, allowing creativity to flourish even in unexpected places.
