Kavya Kanagabatte Prasanna
Kavya Prasanna’s artistic and creative journey is one deeply rooted in literature, philosophy, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. Growing up in an environment that valued literature, art, and writing, she was profoundly shaped by the works of 12th-century philosopher-poets. These figures, whose ideologies emphasized spiritual liberation, gender equality, and social justice, influenced her understanding of identity, self-expression, and cultural heritage. Their revolutionary voices continue to inspire her work, reinforcing themes of resilience, intellectual freedom, and defiance against societal constraints.
Though she was artistically inclined from childhood, academic commitments often placed art on the periphery of her life. However, the unexpected solitude of the pandemic reignited her creative instincts, leading her back to the passion she had cherished as a child. This return to art was not just an act of self-expression—it was a rediscovery of her voice and an embrace of storytelling through visual mediums.
A self-taught artist, Prasanna’s work is guided by intuition, lived experience, and a continuous process of experimentation. She moves across different styles and mediums, driven by curiosity and a desire to push artistic boundaries. Her work often revolves around themes of womanhood, resilience, and empowerment, amplifying the voices of women who have lost their individuality and freedom in the face of emotional and societal struggles. By exploring their silent battles and moments of self-liberation, she gives form to unspoken narratives that deserve recognition.
Her artistic influences span across surrealist and deeply personal visual storytelling. Salvador Dalí’s surrealism and dreamlike distortions inspire her to break traditional boundaries, while Frida Kahlo’s raw emotional depth and unapologetic self-representation resonate with her deeply. From her cultural heritage, she draws inspiration from poets like Basavanna and Akkamahadevi, whose defiance of societal norms and spiritual introspection align with the themes she explores in her work.
Prasanna follows a ritualistic approach to creativity, setting the right atmosphere before she begins working. Whether through music, quiet introspection, or free-writing, she allows herself to fully connect with her subject before bringing it to life. Inspiration often comes from her surroundings, as seen in her artwork Pickling, which was born out of nostalgic childhood memories of her grandmother’s kitchen, where summer days were spent preparing Indian mango pickles.
Her creative process is fluid, driven by instinct rather than rigid planning. Some days are filled with intense, uninterrupted focus, while others involve reflection, revision, and capturing emotions through writing. Each piece is a journey—an exploration of personal and collective struggles, resilience, and self-discovery. When faced with creative blocks, she steps back, immersing herself in books, music, or new artistic techniques to reignite her inspiration.
One of her most challenging yet rewarding works, In the Shadows of the Pandemic, captures the raw vulnerability of a pregnant woman during the global crisis. Through metaphorical elements—strings symbolizing control, a brain representing mental and emotional struggles—she translated a deeply personal experience into a universal narrative of endurance and strength.
Her work consistently explores mental and emotional liberation, the weight of societal expectations, and the resilience found in vulnerability. She hopes that through her art, viewers will engage in introspection, challenge social norms, and find a sense of connection in shared experiences.
For Prasanna, success is not about external validation but about emotional resonance and authenticity. It is measured in moments of connection—when someone sees themselves in her work, when a piece sparks a conversation, or when it offers a sense of empowerment. Her aspirations include amplifying untold stories, pushing creative boundaries, and using her art as a platform for social change.
Staying true to her creative vision in a world filled with fleeting trends requires unwavering dedication to her values. She prioritizes personal authenticity over external pressures, ensuring that her work remains meaningful and deeply connected to her experiences. Rather than conforming, she filters outside influences through her own artistic lens, making space for innovation without losing her core identity.
Her personal life is inextricably linked to her art. Memories, emotions, and lived experiences shape her themes, adding layers of depth to her work. Balancing creativity with other aspects of life requires intention—dedicating time to art while also allowing room for spontaneity and self-care. Recharging comes from nature, music, and meaningful conversations, all of which serve as endless wells of inspiration.
One of the most profound experiences that shaped her as an artist was her personal journey through pregnancy and loss. Unexpectedly becoming pregnant during the pandemic, she continued her daily life unaware of her condition until complications arose at 23 weeks. Despite a difficult and courageous battle, her son passed away after two weeks in the NICU. This experience left an indelible mark on her, strengthening her desire to translate grief, love, and resilience into her art. Her ongoing project, Enclosed Echoes, is a deeply personal visual storytelling series that captures this journey in a way that words alone cannot.
Looking ahead, Prasanna is eager to collaborate with other creatives, particularly in projects that blend storytelling, music, movement, and digital media. She envisions working with poets, filmmakers, and socially conscious artists to create immersive experiences that amplify themes of gender equality, mental health, and cultural narratives.
Her message to readers is one of remembrance and self-expression: every story, every struggle, and every moment of joy deserves to be expressed. Art is a vessel for healing, connection, and understanding. Whether through painting, writing, or simply embracing life’s unpredictable journey, creativity has the power to transform the intangible into something deeply meaningful.
As she continues her artistic evolution, Prasanna’s work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling—where personal pain becomes collective understanding, where resilience is celebrated, and where every silent battle is given a voice. Her upcoming projects promise to delve deeper into these themes, offering art that not only speaks but listens, embraces, and ultimately empowers.
