Zarafshan Adil

My name is Zarafshan Adil, and I am from India, currently residing in the City of Joy, Kolkata. As a self-taught artist, I have navigated the ups and downs of life to pursue my passion for art. My work is deeply rooted in expressionism, and my creative practice is dedicated to both people and society. I aim to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, raising my voice against injustices through my art, and offering viewers a thought-provoking experience that can inspire changes in their daily lives.

In the early stages of my career, I primarily worked with watercolor, creating art that blends post-impressionism and contemporary styles, influenced by neo-modernism. My portfolio includes portraits, wood carvings, canvas paintings, figurative art, crafts, landscapes  as well as abstract artforms.

Always experimental with mediums, I view art as a language of expression. My profound interest in films led me to work as an Art Director, Production Designer and Assistant Director on Commercial shoots and also in student films at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata. Some of these films have won awards at international and national film festivals.

My passion for storytelling through various art forms led me to pursue an MA in Digital Direction at the Royal College of Art. For my final project, “Healing Journey With Colours,” I integrated my previous practice methods and learned Digital Art in 4D to explore Colour Therapy, also known as Chromotherapy. Using Google Tilt Brush, I created a therapeutic, hand-drawn virtual reality space combining cosmic designs, nature, shapes, and colors for interactive exploration.

I tested this project on volunteers experiencing stress and anxiety due to the fast-paced culture in London and other personal issues. Over a year, these volunteers participated in virtual reality sessions, and based on interviews and sentiment analysis, they reported a positive impact on their mental health and an over all improved quality of life.

Although the project is still in development, I am seeking collaborators from interdisciplinary fields such as psychology, social work, technology, and other artists with their unique styles. I am looking for grants and fundings to expand my research and work together to unfold and explore the potential of art therapy, science, and technology in digital media to find the undiscovered and work to uplift our society.

‘Creativity will bring the change in Diversity’- Zarafshan Adil