Prityaanshi Agarwal’s distinctive approach to design blends the worlds of architecture, art, and nature. With a background in architecture and interior design, Prityaanshi brings a deep understanding of materials, form, and composition to her art practice. Her work is characterized by its minimalism, organic textures, and a tactile connection to the natural world. Drawing inspiration from raw materials like sand, wood chips, and lime, she creates captivating artworks that not only engage visually but also invite a sensory experience, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
She talks to us about her innovative use of texture and shape into our everyday spaces.
BEGINNINGS
I don’t have formal training in fine arts; I’m trained as an architect. My journey into design and art started during my early years of practicing architecture. While working on interior design projects, I began integrating artworks into 3D visualizations, which sparked my interest in creating art on canvases. As I started visiting construction sites in my architectural practice, I discovered raw materials like plaster, lime, and chalk powder that intrigued me. Around this time, people began taking more interest in interiors, including investing in artworks and accessories. With my architectural background, I knew how much people appreciated handmade items, so I started experimenting with these materials and textures on canvases.
COMPOSITIONAL DESIGNS
My designs focus heavily on composition. I rarely work with traditional rectangular canvases or basic shapes—I love exploring unconventional forms. Composition is thefoundation of my work, influenced by my architectural training where we often worked with different shapes and how they balanced each other. I begin by conceptualizing the shapes and playing with them, adding color and texture. If I use bold shapes, I keep the colors and textures minimal; if the shapes are subtle, I go all out with textures and colors. Once the composition is complete, I sketch and experiment with textures, creating samples to decide which will work best for the piece. While I design the initial compositions, about 60% of my work is customized based on clients’ specific needs. Once I understand their brief, I create designs that fit their space and preferences.
TEXTURES AND MATERIALS
When I first began creating textures, I started using raw materials like sand and wood chips. As I experimented, I began to notice how these textures resembled elements of nature. For example, when I mixed sand with binders and applied it to canvases, it felt reminiscent of natural land- scapes. The tactile experience of touching these surfaces made me feel more connected to nature. I realized that nature doesn’t need to be confined to the outdoors—it can be brought inside through textures and materials. This connection between nature and art became a key element in my work.
MINIMALISM
I’ve always had a personal preference for minimalism, and I noticed that contemporary spaces today lean towards minimalism with neutral tones like beige and white. As an interior designer, I was drawn to these simple color schemes, so I started incorporating them into my artwork. Initially, I focused on minimal colors—like beiges and blacks—because they fit well with modern, minimalist spaces. When starting out as an artist, I had to consider what people would be interested in, as art isn’t always an easy sell. Over time, I began experimenting with vibrant colors, and I’m pleased to see that people now appreciate these more dynamic works. But initially, my focus was on creating art that would complement contemporary interiors.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
In the beginning, I created more generic pieces, but I’ve recently begun focusing on more complex compositions and introducing volume into my artwork. I want to move away from customizing pieces and shift toward creating more personal works that represent my own artistic vision. I aim to make limited edition pieces and collaborate with galleries, as this would allow me to reach a broader audience and connect with true art lovers. As an architect, I’ve learned to understand market demands, and now I’m at a stage where I can start working with galleries, which will open up new opportunities for my art. My goal is to focus more on creating original works, rather than responding to specific client briefs, and to expand my presence in the art world.
Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 28.01.2025