Priyesh Soni

My art is about the human emotion behind a face, a gesture, a story. Working in acrylic, charcoal and graphite on canvas and ivory sheet, I paint expressive portraits and scenes drawn from Indian culture and mythology, from lovers embracing in the monsoon rain of the Mahabharat era to a Kathakali dancer in full regalia. Alongside these, I create portraits inspired by real people and real-life issues of humanity.

I am self-taught, and my style has grown through observation and constant practice. I let emotion lead, and color and texture follow. My hope is that each piece makes the viewer pause and feel something real, whether tenderness, devotion or unease.

Studio: Alankriti Studio, New Delhi, 2023
Event: Kala Ghoda Mumbai, 2019
Event: Kala Ghoda Mumbai, 2020