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!
@taraanandart
An illustrator and painter, Tara Anand\’s artworks each seem to tell a story, whether inspired by pop culture, fiction, history, or her own creative wanderings. From portraits to depictions of popular stories, the artwork is eye-catching, relatable and immediately makes you want to connect to the larger narrative behind it.
@rajovilla
The posts of Joya Mukerjee Logue are splashed with oil and watercolour paintings that evoke the coast and its skies in light pastels, sprawling wooden mansions, gorgeous women in white saris, florals, ornate older architecture, and more. The impressionist vibe and colour schemes are soothing, and the artworks tell the stories of a simpler time.
@babbuthepainter
Babbu has artwork that is being worn by celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mindy Kaling. Her illustrations are bold, beautiful, bright and celebrate feminity. Female bridal/royal silhouettes adorned in gold and jewel tones against regal backgrounds are a common motif, as are guest appearances by Bollywood, jungle wildlife and more.
@anirban_ghosh
A UX designer and visual artist, Anirban Ghosh has made numerous topical illustrations on news items and social, cultural and political happenings of the last decade and beyond, both in colour and black-and-white. Most of the artworks are LGBTQ friendly (including a series of gorgeous erotica), and a number of them doff a hat to the protests that abound around us, even today.
@pearl.dsouza
Illustrator Pearl D\’Souza turns doodling into an intricate art form, seemingly finding in the myriad little things around her, especially in nature. Her art often juxtaposes a drawing against photography, telling a story that goes much beyond what the common eye sees. The common motif of a girl with long and dark hair (autobiographical?) is charming and peppered throughout her posts.