Interview
Muthulakshmi Narasimhan
Born in Southern India and raised in the Netherlands, Muthulakshmi currently resides in Virginia, USA. She holds a bachelor degree in studio art from Virginia Tech. She whorls in oil paint, acrylic, pen and ink, watercolors, and pastels.
Muthulakshmi’s inspirations are tied in to her varied upbringing and Indian roots. The rich cultural history and colors of her country of birth play a prominent role in her art. She seeks to bridge all her experiences onto the canvas through explorations of technique, color, and subject matter.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in India, raised in the Netherlands, and ended up in the USA. I have a bachelor's in art, but didn't really know how to go about having a career in the art world. So I just kept accumulating degrees and had a ‘normal’ job so to speak. But I always painted on the side, and in the beginning of 2020, I decided I could finally do it and became a full time artist.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work aims to explore people all over the world and see what connects us as humans. I love people! I think everyone's stories are interesting and they all deserve to be told. Growing up, I wished I could see more diversity in art, so that is what I now aim to show with my work. It's not necessarily a social or political agenda as much as celebrating our beauty, ingenuity, and connectedness.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“There are many artists I follow but I don't really follow trends. I think I'm too stubborn for that! If there's a trend I'm usually trying not to do it. I just go where my heart takes me and create whatever makes my soul sing.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I use a combination of both. I enjoy pastels and oils because they're very forgiving – I can just spring into it and change things as I go along. But I have learned the virtues of planning my composition and sketching beforehand, so I incorporate that too.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“Due to the fact that I mostly paint people and cultures from around the world, the most important element for me is research. That means I create each piece as respectfully as possible.
But other than that, I love bold color and brush strokes. I can't tone down the color, so I tend to use vibrant colors in my paintings.”
“I don't want to exploit any people or cultures in any way. Rather, I want to honor them. I try to see what it is about each individual story that I can incorporate into my art.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art just makes me happy. It seems simplistic but it's true. Art genuinely makes me so completely happy. And I consider myself so fortunate to be able to paint every day!”
What is your favorite artwork and why?
“I love Joaquín Sorolla's paintings. There are too many of his works to narrow them down to just one. But pick a painting of his, and I'm a fan.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have an upcoming exhibition at the PWC Arts Council (Virginia) in October. I'll be exploring people and cultures from all around the world.”
