Insta-mental for a cause

Always thought Insta-sketches were works of jest? Well, running a close eye through the portfolio posts of namooru’s Insta-artistes will prove you wrong! In a refreshing trend of sorts, a volley of young Bengalureans are growing ‘art’y thumbs and expressing their concerns about rampant social and mental issues through though-provoking Insta-illustrations. In a candid chat, they tell us more...

Enthusing about an innate desire to educate and inform her followers through the recent Insta A-Zofmentalhealth series  Sonaksha Iyengar, a 22-year-old graphic designer’s recent illustrations on her Instagram account is worth a look or many.

“I think art connects with each person differently, giving them the space to take what they would like from it, which is a great way to address important subjects. I try to address various issues using art as a medium through my Insta-illustrations – around some of the most common mental issues like eating disorders, anxiety, insomnia and bipolar disorder which plague a large number of us,” she shares.

Pleased about the growing receptiveness about the idea, Sonaksha adds, “It was also particularly lovely receiving messages that said they struggle with a particular disorder and the art helped them feel better, even if it was for a few moments.” Echoing similar views, Samyukta Hornad, Sandalwood actress and popular doodler in town, lets us in about her,” My insta posts are very emotional and personal. I use it as a medium to communicate dormant emotions and moods, to build a connect with my followers. I believe in the healing powers of dogs, so most of my doodles, which were posted on Instagram have been requests, to bring forth a social message, and convey it through designs that convey the beauty of an intricately complicated lives that most of us lead,” she signs off.

Believing that the concept is often taken on as a token of responsibility.
Reshmi Chandrasekhar, a visual artiste and doodle entrepreneur, who’s recent Insta-illustration series titled, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ came with an underlying social message: which sheds light on women exploring random spaces and being free.

“As a responsible citizen and woman, I think its my responsibility to send out the right message in whichever little way that I can. It’s a give and take sentiment with these social media platforms.With that access to the public comes a sense of duty to create more and create better. Since artworks garner more attention, I believe the idea propels change without sparking up unnecessary controversies or debates,” she adds.