These artists on Instagram are fighting stereotypes, while attempting to change public views in the way they best know how – through their art. It’s Pride Month and we’re here to help you add colour to your feed and support your local artists at the same time. Spread the love!
Feel free to leave your favourite artist’s name in the comment section and we will update our list.
Reya Ahmed is a visual artist who explores feminism, queer identity and her experiences of growing up in a Bengali-Muslim household through her art. You will notice how her work focusses on women navigating spaces within the urban fabric and dealing with societal conditioning. For instance in her artwork Durga And Daughters, she brings out how complicated and contradictory feelings can coexist in women. We all have a dual nature we struggle with on a daily basis. Doesn't that one hit home? You can order the original or prints of her artworks from her website.
Harjyot Khalsa is a wandering illustrator who enjoys the simpler things in life. Her beautiful drawings, among other things, celebrate friendships that transcend the need to fit into traditional boxes. There's this one illustration on her Instagram we couldn't stop staring at. Quaint cafe, two girls and a post-argument dinner date - makes for quite a relatable situation. Don't you think?
Oh and she also does these adorable handmade felt patches. Pick out a spot on your jeans, jacket or pants to attach these uber cute and versatile queer patches made by Harjyot! You can even use a ribbon to make it into a bookmark or attach it to a keychain!
Gaysi family is your desi-queer fam, a community that provides a voice and safe space for LGBTQ stories. Their feed is a gathering of some of the best queer art (and that’s only a tiny part of what they do), produced by a number of independent artists. We’re floored by this informative map of India’s relationship with Article 377 (artwork by @jahnaviamarnanii). Just drop them an e-mail regarding the artwork and they’ll be more than happy to share the file! You can go ahead and print it on your own. You can also inquire about their zines.
Priyanka doesn’t need an introduction. She will shake the ground beneath your feet with her powerful illustrations, and the words that accompany them. If you're after aesthetics, we suggest you go somewhere else because Priyanka's art is hard-hitting truths about society, gender constructs, class conflicts and power struggles.
Let’s jump straight to our list of favourite tees and add her Stigma t-shirt to it. Created to spread awareness against the Protection of Trans Persons Bill, 2016, it’s priced at INR 550. It’s available in black to delay washing! You can place your order on her website. Also, don't miss checking out the mind-blowing zines she makes!
Param thinks there are not enough colours in this world. One look at his art and you will probably nod in agreement. Param's art is a riot of colours, freedom and madness. While he does some pretty sassy and bold bridal wear, we are particularly digging the capsule collection of the 90s kids shirts, that has pop-culture, technicolour and nostalgia written all over it. Think sensational prints of Mango Bite, Parle-G, Shaktiman, Phantom Cigarettes, Frooty & more.
Priya says she 'poops out feelings on paper because she is not good at expressing them otherwise'. As an independent illustrator and graphic designer, through her art, she engages in conversations about gender, sex, and sexuality. You will find a good mix of humour and her personal experiences in her art. She recently illustrated a book for the Gaysi Family called, The Boy In The Cupboard, which isn't about sexuality but more about creating a safe space for our children where they are heard for who they are.
Sonaksha Iyengar, illustrator, book designer and graphic recorder, dreams of a world where there is no queerphobia. Under the umbrella of social justice, her artwork talks about queer inclusivity as well. She is also championing the cause of mental health and increasing awareness in that space through her art. If, for you, feminism, body positivity, mental health and LGBTQIA+ aren't just buzzwords you hear on the internet everyday, then hit the follow button, let there be light and colour.
