Community and connections: How art exhibitions benefit creators
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 865 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
The India Art Festival (IAF) features a diverse range of artistic themes, styles and genres in its exhibition series. They are held across four cities each year – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and New Delhi (see our coverage of IAF’s earlier editions from 2022 onwards here).
In this photo essay, we share artistic highlights from the Mumbai edition, along with artist insights on their creative journeys and festival experiences. They also reflect on how they benefited from the exhibition, and share tips and advice for aspiring creators.
Mumbai-based artist Deepika Shah has an MBA in marketing, and worked in the pharmaceutical and jewelry industries before switching full-time to painting florals, seascapes and landscapes. “The heart of my art is what I call Zensation – the feeling of calm and joy while being completely in the present moment,” she describes.
Bhopal-based Anjali Prabhakar has been active in fashion, HR, teaching, and even hypnotherapy. “The combined effect of these educations is that there is balance in each of my paintings, which depict success, love, spirituality, and daily life,” she explains. Her works have been picked up by many art collectors in India and overseas.
Sharu Anjirbag is self-taught artist based in Mumbai. “I have been painting for over 17 years. I have a degree in mathematics and am also a teacher of yoga philosophy,” she says.
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Deepika Shah
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Meaning of art
The artists share diverse interpretations of art and its meaning. For example, for Prabhakar, art is like the soulful tunes of songs.
“I have realised that art is very much like life itself. A painting is not just a decoration on the wall, but a source of daily joy. A blank canvas can represent infinite potential, and need not be intimidating. Where others may see a broken door, the artist sees a story waiting to be told,” Anjirbag explains.
She regards the process of creating to be just as important as the end result. “It is in those moments of uncertainty, when a painting is not quite coming together, that I discover new facets of myself. Art can be the struggle, perseverance and joy of seeing something evolve before your eyes,” she adds.
For Shah, art is a way of being truly present, expressing the inner world and flowing with joy. “With every painting, I start with positive feelings and wishes, and hope the viewer is enveloped by such feelings as well. At the same time, I have come to believe that people connect to art by finding their own life story in it,” she describes.
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Style and genre
Many of Anjirbag’s paintings feature mountains. “I try to bring depth in the misty landscapes by using many layers of paints. It is a process that needs patience, as one cannot paint until the lower layer dries completely. And that is also the reason I work on two to three paintings simultaneously,” she describes.
“My style is a blend of realism and impressionism, using acrylic on uniquely-shaped canvases. I create pieces that invite you to pause and feel stillness,” Shah explains. Her works are inspired by colour psychology, and the pieces are meant to be not just seen but felt.
Prabhakar describes her style as more spontaneous and free-flowing. “The canvas becomes a playground for my thoughts, emotions, experiences and even personal fantasies,” she says.
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Sharu Anjirbag
” align=”center”> Sharu Anjirbag 
Festival experience
All three artists are pleased with participating at IAF. Anjirbag says she had good feedback as always from the audience, along with sales. Her artworks are priced at an average of Rs. 60,000.
Shah has been exhibiting at IAF for four years. “I was thrilled to present a unique standing concave structure of the majestic Mount Kailash, and other works with vibrant colours on convex canvas. I made good sales and received inquiries too,” she recalls. Her artworks have a wide price range from Rs 7,000 to Rs. 2 lakh.
Prabhakar had a good experience as well at IAF. “There were connections with many good artists, art buyers and art lovers. We also get information about new cities and art preferences,” she observes. Her most expensive artworks are priced at Rs 9 lakh.
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Tips and advice
The three artists are generous as well with tips and suggestions for aspiring creators. For example, Anjirbag recommends that they paint daily as a habit.
“Just come and sit in front of your easel. Art will then emerge. But do it regularly,” she says.
Prabhakar suggests that art should be created right from the heart, along with influences from India’s vast heritage. “The artistic community should be given as much importance as doctors, engineers, professors, and ministers,” she urges.
Shah advises continuous learning and focus on originality. While there is a lot to draw on as influences, it is important to develop one’s own voice as well. “It is a gift to be an artist, so please do not compare yourself to others,” she says.
“Your art is unique, find your art style and purpose. For the love of art, keep showing up and keep painting,” Shah signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs were taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at India Art Festival Mumbai 2025.)
Edited by Jyoti Narayan
