Natasha Kumar, a British Indian artist from London, has been a major player in culturally inspired art for over three decades.

Her work speaks volumes about her heritage and is a representation of the beauty that lies within Indian culture.

“Over the years, I’ve become more and more interested in who I am and where I’m from because I was born and brought up in the UK. But every year, I travel to India to reconnect with family and friends.

“It’s like I’m peeling another layer, discovering more about who I am, where I’m from, and more about myself. My artwork is an extension of my journey,” says Natasha.

Her journey throughout her career is also inspiring as it is interesting. Natasha continuously explored her identity through art.

“My degree show in Manchester and MA in Camberwell were my first opportunities to explore who I was through my art. I loved that the subjects spoke to others. But India is a huge country and subject, I was nervous that I didn’t know enough and I temporarily turned to safer, more traditional artistic themes.

“Looking back I can see I was preparing myself to really get to work! I lived for printmaking, literally sleeping above my etching press in my studio flat, teaching printmaking. I took art courses around the country and spent as much time as I could at the Prince’s Drawing School to learn traditional techniques such Indian and Persian miniature painting and geometric Islamic design. Meanwhile I was going back and forth from India trying to work out what I was really interested in – that turned out to be me!” says Natasha.

Her culture has been a huge cornerstone in the shaping of her art and the beautiful intricacies which tell deeper stories.

Natasha reflected on the key moments and earliest memories which inspired her art.

Natasha’s art transcended the canvas and has reached and inspired many. 

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A notable moment was the Tilda x Natasha Kumar collaboration. She designed a limited-edition basmati rice tins that were a celebration of family and belonging – the beating heart of life.

She used her signature multi layered style of traditional imagery of Indian dancers and ancient geometric designs and used bold bright colours to communicate joy.

“When you rush along life as an artist and you go from one show to the next it’s a bit of a roller coaster, you don’t really get the opportunity to look back.

“But there was a moment where I had a solo exhibition at the top of the Southbank, and I could stand on the bridge at night and see my work on the walls. I think that was one of my proudest moments. 

“Doing the Tilda tin last year was something that was very close to my heart because who is Asian and has not been brought up with Tilda rice. I mean those huge packs we used to drag around as kids!

“There’s been several touch stones along the way and great moments and awful moments.

“But just keep going, because the fun to be had is in the journey,” says Natasha.  

Natasha’s career has been a beautiful representation and inspiration to other women creating culturally inspired art.   

“Believe in yourself, be true to yourself and keep going,” says Natasha.

She encourages young artists trying to navigate the art landscape to persist and continue to pursue and chase their dreams.