My work explores the intersections of mythology, memory, and power, examining how personal and collective histories shape the human experience. Through confrontational portraits that capture singular emotions—grief, resilience—as well as intimate, introspective studies, I investigate the weight of history and the persistence of hope. Terracotta, with its ties to the earth, time, and archaeology, serves as both material and metaphor, grounding my work in themes of endurance and transformation.
Drawing on syncretism, I highlight how marginalized communities reclaim agency by subverting imposed narratives. Recurring motifs like forests and rivers evoke refuge, survival, and the fluidity of identity. By linking ancestral storytelling to contemporary experiences, my work critiques colonial hierarchies while amplifying silenced voices. Ultimately, I seek to create opportunities to reflect upon the strength of cultural reclamation and the potential for collective healing.
Anoushka Bhalla (b. 1997, India) is an artist based in New York City.
*CV available on request
Press
Hyperallergic- Four Artists’ Pictures of an Unspeakable Past
Hyperallergic- Must-see in NYC
Shoutout LA- What they know and we dont
Canvas Rebel- Meet Anoushka Bhalla
By Clare Gemima, A Women's Thing
By Vittoria Benzine, 'A Pound of Flesh'
By Uttara Parekh, 'An Endless Journey'
Exhibition text by Sara Raza, 'The Hand of the Artist'