Aparna Rajapandian’s solo show depicts surreal landscapes of the mind

The MKF Museum of Art is currently hosting a solo show by Bengaluru–based artist Aparna Rajapandian. Titled, Visions and Tales, the show comprises 30 of the artist’s works executed over the past eight years.

According to Belinda Fernandez, curator of the show, the title reflects an element of storytelling found in Aparna’s works. “Her work is symbolic of memories and imagination; it explores the feminine, as well as nature, the environment and the preservation of life,” says Belinda.

She adds the visually-rich canvases beckon viewers to pause and reflect on each work, taking in the many facets and features Aparna presents with her images. “Each of these works are layered narratives and I would like visitors to enter each of these stories and ponder over them as I believe they will resonate with their lives.”

Talking about her interactions with the artist, Belinda says, “Aparna is a beautiful soul; calm and poised, and one who looks at the world in a rather different way. This introspective nature of hers is mirrored in her work which is detail-driven and laden with emotion.”

Artist Aparna Rajapandian
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

As an artist, Aparna uses polychromos pencils and mixed media which lend a distinct look to her work. According to Belinda, it requires quite a lot of effort to achieve the right colour and texture as seen in Visions and Tales.

Belinda says Aparna’s works are driven by the feminine form and architectural elements, and are versatile enough to suit any space, be it personal or professional. Aparna titles her works and they are almost always accompanied by poems she pens.

For instance, the piece ‘She’ is reflective of the many selves women carry within them. “Woven with symbols of time, intuition, nature, and watchfulness, the artwork portrays the female as a living, breathing cosmos who is fragile yet powerful, ever-evolving and deeply interconnected with life itself.”

At first glance, ‘She’ seems to be a woman’s visage framed by chimes and cats, however, a deeper look will reveal fish floating, watchful eyes and the passage of time, among other ideas or thoughts that swirl within. Much like ‘She’, most of Aparna’s work depict different worlds and dimensions, a dreamscape that spans vistas of the surreal.

This the reason I believe visitors should take their time as each artwork has a beautiful story behind it, says Belinda.

Visions and Tales by Aparna Rajapandian will be on display at MKF Museum of Art till February 11, 2026