By Aashvi Attal | Opening Doorz Editorial | May 29, 2026
Echoes of Antiquity by Praveena Nookala is an artistic homage to India’s temple architecture and the quiet charm of its monuments.
Many of us carry childhood dreams that life rearranges—delayed by circumstances, sidelined by responsibility, or simply waiting for the right moment. What separates those who move on from those who return is quiet stubbornness: the courage to keep going when the path is not obvious. That persistence is the throughline of Praveena Nookala’s story.
Praveena loved to draw as a child, filling notebooks with sketches and teaching herself the basics of painting. Yet family responsibilities and limited opportunities meant her professional debut came later than she had imagined. Rather than surrendering that early passion, she waited, learned in small bites, and returned to art with renewed focus after marriage and motherhood. Her career is proof that creative life can begin, or be reborn, at any stage.
Today, Praveena’s paintings celebrate India’s architectural and sculptural heritage. Her exhibition, Echoes of Antiquity: A Journey of Eternal Serenity, on display at Circular Gallery, Nehru Centre, Worli, until Monday, June 1, explores the quiet power and intricate beauty of ancient monuments. Each work is both an homage and an inquiry—a study of resilience, a search for serenity, and a conversation between past craftsmanship and contemporary sensibility.
In this interview, she speaks plainly about the realities of building a creative career—balancing home and studio, learning to adapt to social media and new technologies, and trusting the slow work of making. Her answers offer practical honesty and gentle encouragement, aimed at anyone who has paused a dream rather than abandoned it.
Excerpts
Your current exhibition title, “Echoes of Antiquity: A Journey of Eternal Serenity”, is both intriguing and poetic. How did you arrive at this title, and what does it mean to you personally?
My exhibition celebrates the beauty and heritage of ancient Indian temples, which inspired the word “antiquity.” “Eternal serenity” reflects the peaceful state I felt while making the pieces and what I hope viewers will experience. The title ties heritage, reflection, and calm into one idea: sharing our past and offering moments of quiet through art.
In a world that is constantly focused on the future, what draws you towards history, heritage, and cultural memory as sources of inspiration?
I believe we must never forget our roots. Our ancestors shaped who we are, and honouring that past keeps us grounded even as we progress. I want to celebrate that continuity—showing how history informs identity, creativity, and the way we move forward as individuals and as a nation.
Did creating this exhibition change the way you look at history or heritage in any way?
The exhibition’s aim hasn’t changed: I want people to learn about and value our heritage. But working closely with these subjects made me look deeper. I began to notice subtler details and a different kind of beauty, and I was struck by the resilience of these structures—how they’ve endured wars and disasters and still stand. That endurance itself has become a lesson in strength for me.
What do you hope younger audiences take away from this exhibition and from engaging with art more broadly?
I hope they learn patience. Putting together an exhibition demands time, persistence and attention to detail. That patience (combined with curiosity) will serve any young creative well. This is the most important skill for an artist to have.
What first sparked your interest in art? Was there a particular moment, person, or experience that inspired you to start creating?
I was interested in art from childhood. As a young girl, sketching was my first love. I’m largely self-taught; I took a few short courses, but learned mostly by doing. I draw inspiration from the world around me and try to translate everyday life into my paintings.
How old were you when you realised that art was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
I always knew I wanted to pursue art, but I didn’t have the opportunity or support to make it a career when I was younger. I began my professional journey only after marriage and children. Passion was constant; the means to pursue it came later.
Was there ever a moment when you questioned your path as an artist?
There were many challenges. As a homemaker and mother of two, balancing family responsibilities with a creative career was difficult. I faced obstacles every day, big and small.
What helped you continue?
I kept going because I believe in never giving up—if you are sincere about something, you must push forward and complete your goal. That determination helped me through the tough times.
How has your artistic style or perspective evolved over the years?
Early on, I painted flowers, realistic figures and portraits. I loved doing portraits. Gradually, my focus shifted to heritage subjects: Indian architecture, sculptures, and their detailed carvings fascinated me. Over time, my work moved from strict realism toward a more suggestive, slightly abstract style.
Has art been your primary profession, and what have you learned from building a life around your creativity?
Building a career as an artist has been challenging, especially because I started later in life. If I had begun earlier, it might have been easier, but I’m glad I took the chance. Creativity demands daily renewal—there’s always something to learn. Staying curious and continuously updating my skills has been essential to making art my profession.
Do you think artists today receive the recognition and support they deserve, particularly in India?
Things are changing. Parents once discouraged art as a career and rarely sent children to art school; today, growing awareness and social media have helped change that. More parents encourage children to pursue art now. However, Indian artists still need greater respect and institutional support. Awareness has grown, but we should keep pushing for more opportunities and serious recognition.
Speaking of Social media, digital art and AI have changed the creative landscape. How do you think these developments are shaping the future of art?
Social media has widened visibility and audience reach. AI presents opportunities and challenges: it can be a useful tool if used ethically and with boundaries, but it can also disrupt creative fields. The task for artists is to learn how to incorporate these technologies responsibly and make them serve, not replace, our practice.
In some spaces, AI is definitely being used irresponsibly. Do you think human artists will always be able to offer what technology cannot replicate?
Human artists bring complexity of feeling, lived experience, and an intuitive touch that machines cannot fully reproduce. Handmade work carries an essence and emotional nuance rooted in human life. That fingerprint of humanity remains irreplaceable.
Image Credit: All images provided by Artist Praveena Nookala for Opening Doorz
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