Ragni Agarwal

Ragni Agarwal, an Indian-American artist based in Los Angeles, brings a vibrant narrative of inclusivity 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 experiences are at the core of her inspiration. As a child, Ragni suffered from social anxiety, which led her to art as a means to create her own colorful worlds. This journey infuses her creations with a unique power—celebrating the beauty of neurodiversity and the strength found in forging one’s 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 such as Hulu, Always, and Bombay Sapphire, and her work has been featured in multiple group and solo shows at galleries across the country.

Rooted in her own traditions and heritage, Agarwal aims to challenge past narratives in favor of a more inclusive future.


Artist Statement

Born out of necessity, art is my compass through the unpredictable landscape of my mind. Being a creative isn’t an option for me; it is a necessity. It is my therapy. Mental health, body (dis)illusions, and self-destructive thoughts and behaviors are the focus of my work. I do not believe in societal pressures or definitions of beauty. Through my art, I am part of the counterculture addressing these issues. I draw humans in all their beautiful forms, shapes, sizes, and colors. They are the epitome of creativity. I am human, and this is my journey.


www.ragniagarwal.com

Who and/or what are your influences when you were first starting out vs. now?

In the early days, my art was influenced by my love of fashion, my Indian heritage, and my own mental health journey and struggles, aiming to remove the stigma associated with neurodivergence and creating a space for everyone to feel seen. Over time, these elements have remained foundational in my art and are now told through the narratives of the women who shaped my life. My art celebrates the strength and resilience of confident, graceful women, depicted in vibrant color palettes. It serves as a love letter to them, honoring the rich spectrum of the experiences they embody.


What is your favorite thing about the material/s you use?

I am inherently a multidisciplinary artist. I am a digital artist, painter, and have dabbled in sewing, sculpting, and various other mediums. Although it may seem chaotic, cultivating practices across mediums can be symbiotic—I’m able to push and pull ideas from one discipline to use in another. By working across mediums, I get to evolve my process and style frequently which pushes me to take risks and expand my creativity.


What would you say is hidden just underneath the surface of your work? Meaning, what are you revealing to your viewers?

Beneath the surface of my work lies a rich tapestry of narratives, focusing on the stories of women—bold, beautiful, and strong, yet infinitely complex. I explore their journeys of choice, contradiction, and self-discovery, as they navigate societal expectations to embrace independence and love.

I also explore the concept of blooming in my work, considering our collective interconnectedness while encouraging humans to follow their unique paths to foster self evolution. It is a call to viewers to reject imposed timelines and revel in life's small joys. My art encourages a love story with oneself of unapologetic indulgence and a celebration of inner childlike wonder. A reminder that fostering that love within creates more love with others.

In essence, my work invites viewers to embrace life's richness, stay true to themselves, and find beauty in chaos, encouraging a joyous, untamed existence.


Can you tell us about a turning point in your practice? Was there a moment when things started clicking

A pivotal turning point in my artistic journey emerged during my early adulthood when I attempted to conform to society's prescribed path—pursuing a stable career, adhering to societal norms, maintaining a physical appearance that fit the patriarchal lens—sacrificing my creative instincts in the process. Ultimately, following other people’s expectations instead of my own left me disillusioned, far removed from creative outlets and deteriorating mental health.

In my mid-thirties, during a bout of depression, I started drawing to cope with the darkness, a tool I hadn’t used in years. I started sharing that work online to see if anyone could relate and the positive responses motivated me to keep going.

The initial support sparked a transformation. Art shifted from therapy to profound self-expression. Delving deeper, I found solace and authenticity in my creativity. Drawing became my lifeline, articulating struggles and triumphs with each stroke. From coping to calling, art propelled me towards fulfillment and empowerment, altering my artistic journey forever.


In honor of our women’s issue, who are three women and/or gender nonconforming artists that inspire you?

Heleena Theodore, Yayoi Kusama, and Cristina Martinez.