Without any formal art education, Bengaluru artist Namita Kulkarni has turned a chance Facebook post into an opportunity to exhibit her powerful paintings on human rights at the United Nations this summer.
- Selected for an ICAAD commission within a week of applying.
- Her work explores nature and indigenous worldviews.
- Her paintings will be exhibited at the UN in June and July.
What happened
Namita Kulkarni, a self-taught painter from Bengaluru, responded to a Facebook call for artists in December 2021 and was selected a week later to create a series of paintings for ICAAD, a human rights organization based in New York. Despite having no formal training in art, her work was chosen from many global entries.
Following two months of focused study on human rights topics, Namita developed a series inspired by indigenous perspectives about our relationship with the environment, including water, forests, and the earth. This body of work will be exhibited at the United Nations in New York during June and July.
Why it feels good
Namita’s journey showcases the power of curiosity and openness, reminding us that formal training isn’t the only path to impactful creativity. Her art serves as both personal healing and a way to share profound reflections on human connection with nature and culture.
By integrating indigenous wisdom, especially influenced by activist Pat McCabe and Aboriginal academic Tyson Yunkaporta, her paintings celebrate a worldview that honors the earth as a living relative. This thoughtful approach invites viewers to rethink how they engage with the natural world and recognize its sacredness.
What to enjoy or watch next
Art lovers can look forward to experiencing Namita’s evocative paintings when they are displayed at the United Nations this summer. In particular, her watercolour pieces use natural elements like real pressed flowers and gold leaf to add texture and symbolism.
For those inspired by her work, exploring indigenous perspectives through books like 'Sand Talk' by Tyson Yunkaporta or the novels of Richard Powers can deepen appreciation. Watching talks or interviews with indigenous leaders such as Pat McCabe can also enrich understanding of the themes reflected in Namita’s art.