AYEESHA KHANNA
MUSINGS IN VIBRANT TEXTURE
ARTIST STATEMENT
My artistic practice is my way of practicing gratitude. It is centered around capturing the essence of life’s small joys, focusing on the happiness found in mundane moments that evoke childhood nostalgia and a simpler way of living. My intention is to highlight and celebrate the ordinary, transforming everyday scenes into subjects of deep reflection and appreciation.
I employ a combination of oil and acrylic paints, occasionally incorporating watercolor and texture paints to achieve specific effects. The colors and textures are designed to leap from the canvas, offering a multidimensional experience that invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and perhaps find a piece of their soul mirrored in the painting. In this pursuit, my art becomes a conduit for shared human experiences, celebrating the ordinary with a depth and intensity that transcends the boundaries of the canvas, amongst others.
BIOGRAPHY
Ayeesha has a passion for creating colorful and whimsical pieces that reflect her personality and mood. She started her artistic journey at the age of 5, when she discovered the joy of watercolor, after which art always stayed with her in some shape or form. In 2013, Ayeesha expanded her horizons to making larger canvases and abstract art, incorporating oil and texture into her canvas. She soon found her niche in painting semi-abstract landscapes and florals, with texture that adds life and movement to her scenes. She is constantly evolving and learning new techniques, and she shares her progress and passion with her online community.
Ayeesha's art is inspired by her childhood love for everything expressive, creative, and chaotic. She always enjoyed arts and crafts, drama school, and dressing up in fun and colourful outfits. She also liked to change the look of her home interiors, as a way of expressing herself and keeping things fresh. She believes that art is a way of exploring and discovering oneself, and she encourages others to do the same. She is grateful for the support and feedback she receives from her friends and followers, and she hopes to connect with them through her art.
Ayeesha was born in India and carries with her a rich heritage from Srinagar and Shimla. She is now based in Singapore, where she lives with her husband. She sells her original paintings and prints on her website and on Instagram, where she also posts videos and tutorials of her creative process. She is always open to trying new things and challenges, and she welcomes suggestions and requests from her audience. She is currently working on a series of paintings inspired by nostalgia, called Shukar.
You can view Ayeesha’s works on Instagram at @pilgrimsofart. If you are interested in any artworks or commission, Ayeesha can be reached at pilgrimsofart@gmail.com.
MANDAP
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
41 CM X 51 CM
2024
MANDAP captures a timeless tradition, portraying hands delicately holding marigolds and lotus buds, poised to shower blessings upon a bride and groom.
This piece reflects the joyous union of souls and the communal spirit of weddings.
The marigolds, with their sun-kissed orange, symbolize passion and creativity, while the lotus buds represent purity and enlightenment, both essential blessings for a new beginning.
The rich textures and profound symbolism in Ayeesha’s work make it a centrepiece for any room, inviting viewers to delve into cultural depths. It is a celebration of rituals that weave the fabric of life, capturing the essence of a sacred moment meant to last a lifetime.
For those who cherish art that speaks to cultural roots and life’s grand ceremonies, “Mandap” is not just an adornment for your walls, but a keepsake of shared joy and cultural heritage.
DOPEHER
OIL ON CANVAS
76 CM X 101 CM
2022
DOPEHER symbolises grounding and warmth of childhood.
It is based on a real broken lampshade in my grandmother’s pristine garden. She refused to take it down because a bird has built a nest in it, and the bougainvillea vines have taken root side by side.
The colours are soothing with a pop of bright to complement any wall colour or interior decor you may consider. I aim to paint pieces that are timeless and can stand out solo or contribute to a collection. This is a perfect example of that.
RAAT
ACRYLIC ON PANEL
101 CM X 101 CM
2020
The painting titled ‘Raat,’ which means ‘Night’ in Hindi, is an evocative tapestry of deep blues and fiery oranges, interweaving a profound connection with the theme of ‘midnight.’ The vibrant orange petals stand out against the midnight blue background, symbolizing the burst of energy, warmth, and life that can exist even in the darkest hours.
The intricate blue lines suggest the complex, often hidden layers of the night, while the solitary stamen reaching out into the void echoes the quiet search for light and direction in the depths of midnight. This contrast embodies the duality of midnight—where the end of one day meets the beginning of another, a threshold moment full of both reflection and possibility.
ABSTRACT COMPOSITION
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
61 CM X 76 CM
2023
This painting radiates warmth with its earthy palette of ochres, siennas, and muted greens, evoking a sense of history and memory. The interplay of structured and fluid forms suggests an urban influence, softened by expressive brushstrokes. There’s a dynamic yet balanced tension between vertical and horizontal elements, hinting at remnants of a past presence or fleeting impressions of a space.
MEHFIL
OIL ON CANVAS
41 CM X 51 CM
2020
MEHFIL is a silent symphony, where each flower is a musician, glowing in the moonlit concert of nature. The blossoms, arrayed like delicate notes on the dark stave of the branches, seem to sway with a rhythm only they can hear. Their warm, peach-toned petals unfold like the bellows of an accordion, infusing the air with their silent music.
This painting, created in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic, a visual hymn, a soft celebration of the small mercies of life and gratitude for joy in the midst of much quietude.
FUND RAISING
Art Therapy : Explore your Unconscious Bias - Fundraiser for United Women Singapore conducted for Microsoft
EDUCATION
Self Taught Artist, painting across materials for 27 years
Oct 2023 : Exploring Art Therapy: An Introduction - Certificate Course from Lasalle College of Arts
AFFILIATIONS
Women Artists Association, Singapore
Canvas Connections, Women’s Art Collective, Singapore