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| Art by Anusha Raichur |
“Art really helps shape perceptions. It tells you that it’s okay
to be or not to be. You don’t have to conform to society’s idea of
‘normal’.”
Anusha Raichur is an independent graphic designer based out of Bangalore, India who spurned her initial calling to be an economic journalist to follow her passion within the world of art.
She creates thought-provoking art pieces that focus specifically on LGBT issues,
confronting us with the need for extended dialogue, and has thrown a
spotlight on what some may consider controversial or taboo issues. Yet
that is the responsibility of art, and Anusha has embraced its strength
to go to places of thought that others would feel sceptical about
tackling. She has shown both bravery and a willingness to tackle the
difficult questions.
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| Art by Anusha Raichur |
In an exclusive interview with the IPF, Anusha said: “Art
truly resonates with a lot of people. People always like their feeling
being conveyed with any form of art – be it a drawing, graphic design,
photography, television, movie, anything. Art really helps shape
perceptions. It tells you that it’s okay to be or not to be. You don’t
have to conform to society’s idea of ‘normal’. Someone is out there,
thinking the same things you are and is doing their part to convey that
to society – it lets you know you aren’t alone.”
The vibrant textures and hues of her artwork help imbue the LGBT
issues at hand with a visible cultural context and importance and it’s
working.
“I’ve always been passionate about LGBT issues,” said Anusha.
“Having said that, I wish I knew more people around who are even
remotely passionate about the issue too. Let’s take a step back, passion
is a very emotionally heavy term to be demanding. First let’s hope that
people are even aware of what LGBT is, what the difference is and the
struggle these people go through.
“We think we’re well educated as a generation, but you’ll be shocked at how many people I know out there who’re nonchalant.”
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| Art by Anusha Raichur |
So why did she start this series?
“I started this series because I essentially wanted to spread some awareness about the Bisexual and Transgender community."
“People still don’t know what the realm of bisexuality is, they
aren’t aware of what the term transgender exactly is, the struggle
people go through and the issues related to this community. Being
bisexual is a campaign that needs to be legitimised.
“Just because the U.S. has legalised same-sex marriage, and just
because we see LGBT issues being addressed more openly in the U.S. media
doesn’t mean that we’ve come a long way here, that is something we fail
to realise as a generation. Indians can’t even come out to us ‘modern
lot’ how can they possibly come out to their parents in this regressive
country?”
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| Art by Anusha Raichur |
For Anusha, art became a calling she could not ignore, skewing the
trappings of a conformist approach to her career. She had been drawing
since a child and was encouraged to develop her art skills by her
classes through “rigorous art classes”.
“I studied economics, then economic journalism and worked at CNBC
for a year,” she added. “I realised I need to quit and pursue art. It
wasn’t an easy journey. I struggled for a while with my decision and
choices, but it’s been amazing.”
And the best is yet to come. With her project comes the challenge
of being true to the gravity of the issues at hand. “Part one of the
LGBT series has been merely introductory,” Anusha explained.
“I haven’t faced challenges yet. The challenges lie ahead. Part two will have more real stories. Illustrating struggles and suffering – that’s the hard part.”
Ultimately, Anusha realised that she had to foster her talent and cultivate it all the better to encourage dialogue.
“I knew I had this inherent talent,” she continued. “Why not use it
to help somebody through it? I was never satisfied with the normal art I
made. Which is why I knew I needed to make a difference.”
Read an interview and view more artwork
by Anusha on Jaipur Women Blog, here.
To see more of Anusha Raichur’s work, visit her Instagram page.
Read more articles from IPF, here.
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