Artist Merges South Asian Customs to Create Profoundly Spiritual Multi-Layered Stories
In the ever-evolving realm of modern art, Sahana Ramakrishnan distinguishes herself through her exceptional blend of cultural stories, masterful technique, and innovative storytelling. Her piece, “The End of Night,” created in 2023 with oil, graphite, beetlewings, and gold leaf on wood panel, showcases her capability to connect the past with the future via visual art. Spanning 55 x 90 inches, this artwork immerses audiences in a space where mythology and reality merge, providing a novel viewpoint on human experience.
Ramakrishnan’s path as an artist is profoundly influenced by her varied background. Born in Mumbai, raised in Singapore, and now residing in New Jersey, she finds inspiration in her South Asian roots and the diverse cultures she has interacted with over the years. This multicultural amalgamation infuses her oil paintings with complex narratives that encourage viewers to delve into the spiritual and natural worlds.
Her artistic development began early, as she learned the delicate art of South Indian gold leaf application and rhinestone techniques from her grandmother. These foundational lessons introduced her to the visual legacies of her forebears, which continue to shape her creations, adding a deep richness and significant meaning to her works.
Ramakrishnan’s academic experience at the Rhode Island School of Design refined her painting abilities, but her vision transcends basic technique. For her, art serves as a way to situate oneself within the expansive mosaic of human existence, nature, and spirituality. While she questions individual mythologies, she acknowledges the significance of the universal truths that arise from their intersections.
Her artwork is also infused with surrealist elements, enabling her to explore the connections between life and death, self and other, subject and object. Works such as “Offering” (2023) demonstrate Ramakrishnan’s talent for merging varied motifs like flora, ocean waves, fauna, and gems into unified narratives that investigate humanity’s bond with the environment.
As highlighted in her artist statement, Ramakrishnan’s creations navigate the divide between pictorial artistry and diagrammatic expression, functioning as both mediums of communication and platforms for introspective inquiry. Key themes of time, mythology, physics, and evolution are intricately woven throughout her work, often manifested through symbolic depictions of animals and humans interlinked with celestial events.
Ramakrishnan’s prospects in the art scene are set for remarkable milestones. She has been recognized as the 2025 Artist in Residence for The Arctic Circle Residency, and she is scheduled to present a solo exhibition at the Fridman Gallery in New York City. Her artistry continues to progress, promising to engage and inspire audiences globally. For news and insights into her artistic journey, fans can follow Sahana Ramakrishnan on her official website and Instagram.