Today we’d like to introduce you to Mahak Agrawal

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

From the vibrant streets of New Delhi to the bustling corridors of international climate conferences, our story is one of resilience, collaboration, and a deep-seated passion for both art and sustainability. I’m Mahak Agrawal, an urban planner climate science and sustainability expert, and alongside me is my mother, Manju Agrawal, a self-taught artist whose journey through life’s challenges led her back to the canvas.

Our artistic voyage began decades ago in the heart of India, where Mum, amidst the duties of motherhood and the trials of health, found solace in the strokes of her brush. For years, she explored various mediums, from textile paintings to pottery, each piece a testament to her unwavering spirit. But it wasn’t until 2021, following a profound battle with the delta wave of COVID, that painting transformed from a hobby to a lifeline.

Driven by a shared vision of sustainable creativity, we began a new chapter, blending Mum’s artistic flair with my climate science and sustainability expertise. Together, we set out to redefine what art could be: not just a luxury for the elite, but a beacon of change, accessible to all and mindful of our planet.

Our journey has taken us across continents, from the bustling streets of New Delhi to the serene landscapes of Switzerland, each brushstroke echoing our commitment to a brighter, greener future. With every painting we create, we weave a narrative of hope, urging society to embrace art as a catalyst for change and reflect our collective responsibility.

Today, as independent Asian women artists, we stand at the intersection of art, science and advocacy, challenging perceptions and inspiring action. Our collaboration is more than just brushstrokes on canvas; it’s a testament to the power of creativity in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable tomorrow.

Through our art, we invite others to join us on this journey, to reimagine the role of artists in society, and to paint a world where sustainability isn’t just a choice but a way of life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Our journey, much like the strokes on a canvas, has been a blend of vibrant highs and challenging lows. While our commitment to sustainable art has been unwavering, the path we’ve trodden has been anything but smooth.

For my mother, Manju, the road to rediscovering her passion for painting was marked by physical and emotional hurdles. From battling health setbacks to shouldering the responsibilities of a homemaker, she faced adversity at every turn. Yet, through sheer determination and resilience, she found her way back to the canvas, turning her struggles into sources of inspiration.

On my end, navigating the complex landscape of climate science and sustainability presented its own set of challenges. From advocating for policy change to driving corporate sustainability initiatives, each step forward was met with its share of obstacles. Yet, with every setback, I found renewed purpose in our collaborative efforts, recognizing that true change often emerges from the depths of adversity.

Together, as mother and daughter, we’ve faced the uphill climb of establishing ourselves as independent artists in a world dominated by traditional norms and commercial interests. From overcoming financial constraints to challenging societal perceptions of art and sustainability, we’ve encountered our fair share of roadblocks along the way.

Yet, it’s precisely these challenges that have fueled our passion and strengthened our resolve. For every setback, we’ve emerged with a newfound sense of determination, channelling our struggles into a force for positive change.

In the end, it’s the journey’s twists and turns that have shaped us into the artists and advocates we are today, reminding us that true success lies not in the absence of obstacles, but in our ability to overcome them with grace and perseverance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

Our work is a fusion of artistry and advocacy, a canvas upon which we paint a vision of sustainability and social impact. As an urban planner, climate scientist, and sustainability expert, my focus lies at the intersection of environmental stewardship and social equity. From crafting climate policy to spearheading initiatives for urban resilience, my aim is to drive positive change at both the local and global levels.

I specialize in translating complex scientific concepts into actionable strategies, bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Whether it’s developing ESG reporting frameworks for corporations or advising governments on climate mitigation measures, my expertise lies in catalyzing sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

What sets us apart is our collaborative approach to creativity and advocacy. By joining forces as mother and daughter, we bring together diverse perspectives and skill sets, blending artistry with scientific rigor to amplify our message of sustainability. Our work isn’t just about creating beautiful paintings; it’s about sparking conversations, challenging norms, and inspiring action.

What I’m most proud of is our ability to leverage art as a tool for social change. From raising awareness about climate issues to advocating for marginalized communities, each painting we create carries a deeper message, inviting viewers to engage with pressing environmental and social challenges.

In a world where art is often seen as separate from activism, we strive to break down barriers and redefine the role of artists in driving positive change. Through our collaborative efforts, we’re demonstrating that art has the power to transcend boundaries, unite communities, and shape a more sustainable future for all.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

Absolutely! Here’s a curated list of resources that I particularly like:

Book: “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron: A transformative guide to unlocking creativity and overcoming creative blocks, essential for nurturing my artistic endeavours.

– Factfulness by Hans Rosling: a brilliant book that uses statistics and graphs to highlight there’s always more than meets the eye.

Podcasts:
1. “How to Save a Planet” by Gimlet Media: This podcast explores innovative solutions to environmental challenges, offering insights and inspiration for sustainability initiatives.
2. “Women in Urbanism” by Urban Design Podcast: A platform for amplifying women’s voices in urban planning and design, providing valuable perspectives and insights into creating more equitable cities.
3. “The Mindful Kind” by Rachael Kable: A podcast focused on mindfulness and self-care practices, offering practical tips and techniques for managing stress and fostering well-being.

Pricing:

• Our sustainable artworks range in price based on size, complexity, and materials used.
• Prices typically start at $100 for smaller pieces of A4 size and can range up to $6000 or more for larger, intricately detailed works.
• We offer a variety of options to accommodate different budget ranges, including prints, originals, and commissioned pieces.
• Custom commissions are available upon request, with pricing determined based on the specific requirements and preferences of the client.
• We also offer special promotions and discounts periodically, so be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest offers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahak.agrawal
• Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGB2wxaVtI/JHvjEXw6jByJ9Pf7TtRXoA/watch?utm_content=DAGB2wxaVtI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Image Credits

Images by Mahak Agrawal