Drishti Chawla

Presentation

Drishti Chawla, born in 1984 in Mumbai, is a visual artist currently residing in Nairobi. The youngest of three siblings, she enjoys strong family support, particularly from her husband, a developer, who encourages her to pursue her artistic ambitions. A graduate of Sophia Polytechnic in 2005 with a degree in commercial art specializing in photography, she distinguished herself by winning several awards during her academic career, highlighting her talent and potential from the outset. After her studies, Drishti embarked on a promising career in advertising, working with renowned agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather and Ambience Publicis. However, despite the success she experienced in this field, she quickly realized that her true passion lay in painting, a medium through which she could fully express herself. Her transition from the advertising world to the visual arts marked a pivotal turning point in her artistic journey. Drishti has developed a unique visual identity influenced by her multicultural environment, straddling both Mumbai and Nairobi. Her mastery of photography, acquired during her studies, is evident in the precision and composition of her paintings, where light and color play a crucial role. Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences and background, Drishti explores themes related to identity, memory, and transformation in her works, often influenced by the urban landscapes of Nairobi and Mumbai. Her art reflects a fusion of her Indian cultural heritage and African influences, resulting in vibrant, contemporary pieces. In addition to her artistic practice, she is also active in Nairobi's art community, participating in various exhibitions and collaborating with other artists to promote art in the region. The support from her family, particularly her husband, has been instrumental in her artistic growth, allowing her the freedom to pursue her passion and engage in innovative projects. Today, Drishti continues to establish herself as a fully-fledged artist, bringing a unique vision that blends her Indian roots with her life experiences in Africa, while exploring new techniques and approaches to enrich her creative expression.