On Things That Matter

WHAT WE CARRY
ARTWORK BY- ISHA VALENTINE

WHAT WE RESIST
ARTWORK BY- ISHA VALENTINE

“What matters most is how we respond to what we experience in life.” – Stephen R Covey
Isha Valentine and Vidya Venkatappa, two talented and emerging artists have defined their artistic practice on the concept of what matters to them. The artists have used metaphors to create stories that include multiple commentaries. The works are not intended to be esoteric because they are instead meant to be interpreted by all who connect.
Isha Valentine’s practice engages on a philosophical note, mostly inspired by shapes that she finds in their natural forms. Rock formations are an integral part of her compositions, “representing self-control, inner strength, stability and discipline”. The apparent size of the rocks, symbolize different aspects of her life with her family, faint memories, experiences of life and challenges faced. These compositions are on the basis of line and form with accents on Nature. One is drawn towards the thinker in the artist!
Vidya Venkatappa’s body of works delve into “the relationship between mythology, cultural memory and the evolving urban environment” as expressed by the artist. Contemporary in character, that resonates with a strong narrative, each one speaks to us while engaging with our intellect. The artist lays emphasis on creatures that are generally unnoticed, to include in her pictorial vocabulary. The works are meaningful and translates beauty in the connect of man and Nature along with a socio-cultural interaction.
As one would focus on ideas presented by the artists, on things that matter, the works resonate with the ability of the artists to express their inner feelings and thoughts.

ISHA VALENTINE

Isha Valentine is a self-taught artist based in Bangalore. Having a P.G.Diploma in Leather Garment Design and Technology from N.I.F.T., New Delhi and an M.A. in English Literature, she has former experience as a designer and teacher.
She transitioned to being a full time artist from 2022. She is an enthusiastic wildlife artist creating semi-realistic wildlife portraits.
She has participated in group shows in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Melbourne and Venice. She has exhibited her works as an Independent artist in two editions of the India Art Festival in Bangalore in 2023 and 2024.
She curated and exhibited her artworks in a solo exhibition- ‘In The Quiet’, at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore in June 2026.

LIMINAL REALMS
ARTWORK BY- VIDHYA VENKATAPPA

SACRED MATTER
ARTWORK BY- VIDHYA VENKATAPPA

VIDHYA VENKATAPPA (b. 1979, Bengaluru) is a visual artist and visual art facilitator. A Gold Medallist in Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from the College of Fine Arts, Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishath, Bengaluru (2004). She completed her Master of Visual Arts (Painting) at Bangalore University in 2006.
Her work has been presented in numerous solo and group exhibitions across India, including Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Venkatappa Art Gallery, Genesis Art Gallery, ART HOUZ, Rangoli Art Centre, Bangalore International Centre, and the National Painting Exhibition at Cholamandal Artists’ Village (2026). Also a regular participant in Chitra Santhe since 2005.
Vidhya is the recipient of several honours, including the Chitra Shilpi K. Venkatappa Award, the Amrita Sher-Gil Award, the Best Exhibit Award at Karnataka Kala Sambrama, and the Best Work Award at the IUCN/SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group Painting Camp. Her work has also been featured in Arts Illustrated magazine and the Fra CAF Exhibition Catalogue. Her artworks form part of the collections of Bangalore Metro Rail Department, ART HOUZ, Chennai, and private collections in India and abroad.

Vidhya Venkatappa