In the dynamic world of abstract art, where emotions, textures, and colors converge, artist Priti Anand’s debut solo exhibition, Let It Unfold, marks a significant milestone in her creative journey. With a background spanning interior design, fashion, and face styling, Priti brings a multidimensional approach to her art, allowing each piece to evolve organically. Her work is a dialogue between the seen and unseen, an exploration of emotions that surface intuitively. In this candid conversation with PuneInsight Editor Sanjay Jadhav, Priti delves into the inspirations behind Let It Unfold, the subconscious process of creation, and the lessons learned along the way. She also shares her thoughts on abstract art’s limitless interpretations, the challenges of preparing for a solo show, and her advice for aspiring artists.
Your debut solo show, Let It Unfold, is a significant milestone in your artistic journey. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this series?
The process is entirely subconscious—it feels as if two individuals are at work: Priti, the artist, surrendering to the canvas, and me, the observer, witnessing the unfolding. Sometimes, I find myself mapping what’s happening in the artist’s mind; other times, it becomes a fascinating conversation between us—an intimate ‘me time’ where stories emerge, or where I simply revel in the act of painting itself, without overanalyzing. Let It Unfold is an invitation to experience this process—of surrender, discovery, and intuitive creation. This series reflects moments that unfold in real time, much like our thoughts, emotions, and memories that surface unexpectedly.
You describe your paintings as a fusion of seen and unseen emotions, mapped through textures and colors. How do you translate emotions into abstract forms?
State of being and time—these are ever-evolving, much like our interpretations of art. I don’t claim to translate emotions, but I do believe that colors, textures, and forms hold a deep psychological resonance. The way we perceive a painting is shaped by our personality traits, past memories, scars, aesthetics, upbringing, and even the maturity of our thoughts at a given moment. Abstract art allows for this freedom—it invites viewers to step into their own reflections, where meaning constantly shifts. Having always been drawn to conversations, exchanges of knowledge, and human experiences, my art serves as a gateway to these dialogues. It’s not just about what I create—it’s about what unfolds within the viewer.
Your artistic practice started with restoring and painting over broken bone china plates as a child. How has this early experience shaped your approach to art today?
Mending broken china plates as a child wasn’t just an art project—it was a way of seeing possibilities in what was already around me. The world felt much larger then (before the Google and AI era), and resources were whatever we could find in our immediate spaces. That experience shaped my creative approach, teaching me that beauty isn’t about perfection but about transformation. My mother has been an incredible influence, and one of the greatest life lessons I’ve learned from her—and now pass on to my children—is that creativity isn’t bound by material wealth. It’s about making the most of what you have, embracing imperfections, and allowing new stories to unfold. Memories like these, unknowingly, shaped me into the artist I am today.
Having a background in interior and fashion design, as well as working as a face stylist, how have these disciplines influenced your painting style?
Across all these multidisciplinary experiences—interior design, fashion, and face styling—there is a common thread: an acute understanding of the elements and principles of design, form, balance, and expression. Each discipline has its own language, yet they all converge in my art, strengthening my ability to create compositions that are both structured and fluid. I have experienced their collective potential firsthand, allowing me to push boundaries while staying rooted in an intuitive, aesthetic sensibility. These experiences have given me a multidisciplinary approach to abstraction, allowing me to blend aesthetics with raw expression.
Abstract art often allows for multiple interpretations. Do you hope viewers take away a specific message, or do you want them to find their own meaning in your work?
I’d say—find your own meaning! That’s the beauty of abstract art. I don’t want to tell you what to see or feel; I want you to sit with it, let it speak to you in its own way. Sometimes, art is just about a pause—taking a moment for yourself, like a quiet conversation with your own thoughts. If my work makes you smile, sparks a memory, or simply makes you see things differently, then that’s enough. Art isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about connection, curiosity, and discovery. Live in this moment of joy.
Your journey spans nearly a decade of exhibiting at various galleries. What made you decide that now was the right time for a solo exhibition?
We all have that one person who knows us better than we know ourselves. For me, that’s my husband, Anup. While I was busy contemplating, he simply declared it was time and made sure I took the leap. Like they say, one step at a time—you keep growing and evolving. Over the years, I’ve explored, experimented, and shifted perspectives—not just in technique but in the way I see and express things. And here we are! This solo show is that moment of bringing it all together—a space to pause, reflect, and share a body of work that truly mirrors my journey so far with a wider audience. It’s a new chapter, a time for new learning.
What challenges did you face while preparing for this exhibition, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was trusting the process—allowing the work to unfold without overthinking. There were moments of self-doubt too. Putting together a solo show isn’t just about creating the art—it’s about navigating logistics, budgeting, coordinating photoshoots, designing creatives, and seeking guidance from the right mentors. From curating the space to understanding the dos and don’ts of an exhibition, every step required learning, adapting, and leaning on my support system.
I quickly realized that asking for help isn’t a weakness but a strength. No artist works in isolation, and the encouragement of my community—family, friends, and mentors—made all the difference. My family stood by me, and seeing my sons take pride in this journey was one of the most rewarding parts. This process has been one of resilience, trust, and creative surrender, proving that an exhibition is more than just a showcase; it’s a shared experience that unfolds in unexpected and meaningful ways.
Beyond Let It Unfold, what’s next for you? Do you have any future projects or artistic explorations in mind?
“I believe this show knows exactly what it’s doing—it’ll unfold, reveal, and nudge me toward what’s next. I’m just here, strapped in for the ride, letting it take me where it wants!” Well, actually, I’m just as eager to find out as you are! Let’s pick this up in our next conversation.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to transition from group exhibitions to hosting their own solo show?
Honestly, just take the leap! It’s a rollercoaster—you’ll question everything, learn, and maybe even have a mini meltdown or two. But somewhere in the chaos, you’ll find yourself more connected to your work than ever and come out stronger. Trust your family, friends, community, and mentors. A solo show isn’t just about displaying art; it’s about owning your journey. And trust me, once you do it, you’ll wonder what made you wait so long!
