Rather than love being the driving force of the world, I believe it’s happiness that truly propels us forward. In this modern era, happiness often seems fleeting, requiring us to pause and reflect on its true essence: family, loved ones, personal resilience, discovering a place of belonging, and the companionship of others. We occasionally get caught up in the pursuit of grand happiness, overlooking the everyday moments that bless us.
Here’s a compilation of the creative and artistic individuals who have submitted their work for our August open call theme: The Definition Of Happiness.
All Bottled Up 5
Concept note: My little pup, Sailee, and I spend a lot of our time creating in our cozy home studio. While I work at my table, she quietly supports me, often snoozing peacefully. In our little haven, we’re cut off from the world—it’s our happy space.
When something we’ve created ventures out into the world to find its place in a special home, it brings me a joy beyond words. I say “we” because she’s an integral part of the process, her quiet presence being my biggest support. This is my happy place, and it’s all I need. True story!
Artist: Rashmi Pote
Lost Pages Found A Home
Concept note: Yearning for a place that offers a tight hug, allowing you to breathe after a tense day and showering you with exceptional love.
Photographed by: Shrida Awasthi
Someone Gave Me A Flower
Concept note: Happiness is always present around us in the smallest, seemingly insignificant things.
Photographed by: Priya Mishra
Crumbled
Concept note:
Happiness, like an artistic journey, isn’t about perfection or triumphs, but embracing the idea of being “shattered.” It finds meaning in broken pieces, residing in our life experiences.
Mistakes and imperfections shape our existence and should be embraced. They’re the threads in our journey, weaving a story of growth and resilience.
Artist: Vaishnavi Dhargalkar
Bubbles
Concept note: In childhood, summer holidays were a blast. We’d meet, get bubbles from our parents, and play. Although it’s less frequent now, whenever we do meet, we still relive those cherished moments with bubbles, savoring our memories.
Photographed by: Meghanand Ganpule
Untitled
Concept note: Happiness is fleeting, but memories are enduring. What better way to elicit happiness than by reminiscing about moments spent in the reassuring company of loved ones? These were moments when we honed our skills to face the world, shaping the individuals we’ve become today. They were moments basking in the comforting presence of those we knew would always stand by us—a time that inevitably brings back a joyful smile.
Artist: Anurag Anand
Untitled
Concept note: This artwork portrays the transformation of a vibrant leaf to shades of decay, reflecting universal challenges.
Like humanity, plants undergo dynamic life cycles—growth, nourishment, reproduction, and witnessing progeny’s journeys. Nature’s enduring beauty inspires continuous observation and reflection. Fragmented leaves on streets symbolize shared human experiences—scars left by life’s obstacles. This art captures the fusion of nature’s resilience, fragmented beauty, and the enduring human spirit.
Artist: Sukanya Nijasure
Small Moments Of Happiness: ‘People of Winters’
Concept note: “People of Winters” captures the cozy charm of New Delhi’s winter season, celebrating the city’s residents and their enduring connection to winter. The artwork portrays diverse characters sharing warmth and companionship, with the iconic “khullad chai” at its centre, using a mix of acrylics and woollen fabric for texture.
It invites viewers to feel the crispness of the air and the comfort of a warm beverage, celebrating the enduring human spirit that finds solace and joy even in the coldest months.
Artist: Kevin Massey
Woman In Bath tub
Concept note: Happiness is often equated with peace. In this painting, a serene woman bathes in soapy water, her tranquil expression reflecting her profound happiness.
Artist: Kiruthika S