ARTIST STATEMENT
My art reflects my journey as an Indian-American woman navigating the intersection of my culture and society’s expectations. My work celebrates the resilience and audacity of women, particularly those from marginalized communities, through bold, saturated palettes and playful motifs. Kali Unleashed: This piece explores the power of our inner goddess and child, free from society’s standard of beauty and femininity. Inspired by Goddess Kali, she is the ultimate rebel with a cause, celebrating women who break the rules. Kali is both fierce and compassionate, transcends binaries, and embraces the fire within us and makes space for our own fluidity. The Begums: This piece is part of a collection that honors the trailblazing women of yesteryears—immigrant women who navigated patriarchal expectations with resilience and silent rebellion. Their legacy of empowerment echoes in the voices of today’s bold and unapologetic daughters, who strive to create new systems of inclusivity. Badtameez Beti, Tazeeb: This piece is part of a collection that represents the daughters labeled as “bad girls” for defying societal norms. We are encouraged to sing, but not too loudly and not in a way that offends. This tension drives my art, aiming to challenge and dismantle societal expectations through unapologetic self-love, rooted in my exploration of my Indian heritage. My multidisciplinary practice spans graphic design, fine art, and experiential design, creating immersive worlds that blend my culture with an urgent call for social change. I strive to foster a future where every voice, especially those often silenced, is heard and celebrated.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Ragni Agarwal, an Indian-American artist in Los Angeles, brings a vibrant narrative of radical vulnerability and empowerment to contemporary art. With a bold, saturated palette and playful motifs, Agarwal masterfully juxtaposes the resilience of women against the backdrop of mental health challenges and broken societal constructs.
Agarwal’s own experience is at the core of her inspiration. As a child, Ragni suffered from social anxiety, which led her to art to create her own colorful worlds to get lost in. It is this journey that infuses her creations with a unique power – celebrating the beauty of neurodiversity and the power found in forging your own path.
Spanning over two decades, Agarwal’s multidisciplinary portfolio—encompassing graphic design, fine art, and experiential design—showcases her versatility and ability to bridge art and culture with calls for social change. She has collaborated with notable brands like Hulu, always, Bombay Sapphire, and more. Ragni’s work has also been featured in multiple group and individual shows at various local galleries.
Inspired by the quiet fight of immigrant mothers and the strength of her sisters, Ragni’s art aims to break societal norms through unapologetic self-love and the bonds between women. Her recent collections—Kali Devi, The Begums, and Badtameez Betis—celebrate the resilience and empowerment of women from marginalized communities, using vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. Through her art, Ragni continues to inspire and empower, poised to make a lasting impact on the contemporary art scene.
© Ragni Agarwal