It might be called ‘The Gram’, but it’s worth a TON of exposure. Instagram has always been all about visual impact, and it’s where you find some of the finest artists in the world today, from the heavyweights to the hidden talent. Abir Pothi embarks on a series that will highlight the best of Instagram artists we manage to discover — those whose artistry you could take an ‘Insta-nt’ liking to!
@kaviya.ilango
Protest, wokeness, feminism and poster-child imagery are rife on the page this artist, whose works touch upon everything from Covid to borders, nationalism, police excesses, feminism, and numerous other social and political issues.
@sam_madhu
Glowing, wild and psychedelic art dominates the offerings of artist Sam Madhu, centered around a dance of the human form, technology and varied deities, largely located in hyper-modern, post-apocalyptic urbanscapes.
@artwhoring
A personal photo-diary of sorts is interspersed with rebellious motifs on the Instagram page of Priyanka Paul. Part contemplative, part strongly political, kitschy imagery and pastels abound here, with a distinctly Gen-Z affinity.
@aliciasouza
Well-known illustrator and merchandise creator Alicia Souza chronicles a variety of her own life experiences with kawaii drawings, which are high on the relatability quotient as they capture the smaller happy moments of life. Expect pastels, pets, babies, cuddles and more.
@frizzkidart
Hana calls herself a \”brown Muslim weirdo\” and creates some eye-catching LGBTQIA art. Some of her pieces cite her own poetry and prose, adding an interesting element to the visual palette, that tends towards collage-like works.
@doodleodrama
Mounica Tata\’s cutesy illustrations bring you an IRL slice of life, rendered in an incredibly appealing way. Her drawings are full of desi nostalgia as well, whether it is a depiction of moments with one\’s grandma, sibling, mother, or more. You also get a glimpse of her adorable pets!
@nimishabhanot
The eponymous page of Nimisha Banot celebrates feminism in myriad ways, whether cis or trans. Besides LGBTQIA representation, her art also touches upon other socio-political realities. Many of her works are portraits and also depict the process of their creation in tranches.
@kully_rehal
Not just an artist, but also an art therapist, this illustrator creates complex and mesmerising artworks that blend floral and other natural motifs with human figures. The colours are bright and generous, and the sensibility is proudly South Asian.
@adritadas
A photo artist, Adrita\’s page captures the mundane in frames that the eye often miss. Many of her photographs encompass travels around India, with both rural and urban settings visible. A shimmering residential building lit up by fairy lights; a blurry, sea-swept image of an ice cream vendor on a beach; a traditional toymaker in his village workshop… this and more are on view.
@blahjinder
Baljinder Kaur illustrates children\’s books, and if the adult in you is the kind that never really grew up, this world of fantasy and fascination will continue to enthrall you. Beauty takes on a childlike perspective here, and her works range from inkwork to water colours, collages, and more.
