Returning to something essential and truthful inside me

Mansi Rawal about her artist journey

I’ve always believed that art isn’t just about expression — it’s about observation. It’s about noticing the quiet moments that most people pass by and allowing those to speak louder than words ever could. Born in India in 1994, and now living in Karlsruhe, Germany, I navigate a dual life as a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and business technology analyst. To many, that might sound like a contradiction — technology and art — but to me, one has always informed the other. Logic and structure guide my professional life, while art becomes an extension of it — filled with intuition, memory, and deeper emotional meaning.

My journey with art began early, like many childhood stories — school competitions, long afternoons filled with colored pencils and handmade crafts. But what stayed with me wasn’t just the act of making things, it was how those moments made me feel: cantered, connected, and understood in ways that words often couldn’t manage. Over time, that feeling became something I sought more deliberately. It wasn’t about becoming a professional artist; it was about returning to something essential and truthful inside me.

In 2024, I had the opportunity to showcase my work in an exhibition in Karlsruhe. That experience, though filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement, marked an important turning point. It was the first time I had allowed a broader audience into my private visual world. That exhibition wasn’t just about displaying finished work — it was about sharing my way of seeing and inviting others into that quiet, layered space where stories are told through texture, color, and lines.

'Weightless' by Mansi Rawal

Today, my artistic practice spans across mediums and styles. I explore abstract expressions, reinterpretations of Indian folk-art traditions, and nature-inspired narratives. I work with textured mixed media and create introspective illustrations — each piece trying to distill emotion into something visual and lasting. Alongside painting, I write short poems and quotes that reflect the same emotional terrain — thoughts on stillness, questions about identity, fragments of memory, and reflections on everyday beauty. There is a certain emotional resonance I aim for in both writing and painting — a desire to move people, to connect, and to be inspired in return.

A typical day for me is a blend of contrasts. I divide my time between the structure of tech work and the freedom of art. Often it’s during the quiet pauses in my day — early mornings or late nights — that inspiration appears most naturally. That stillness is essential. It allows ideas to rise gently to the surface. My process is intuitive, but not chaotic. There’s a rhythm to how I work, even if the themes aren’t always predetermined. Sometimes I begin with a rough idea or emotion, but I let the materials, textures, and colors lead the way.

The impact of art on my broader life is profound. It grounds me. In a world that often feels fast-paced and demanding, making art brings me calm and clarity. It gives me a way to process emotions, to pause, and to reflect. Some of the most important decisions in my life have been clarified while working on a painting. Other times, it’s just a space for me to ask better questions — of myself and the world around me.

People often ask if the artist’s life is lonely. For me, it’s a mix — sometimes solitary, sometimes deeply social. I cherish the solitude because it allows me to create in my own rhythm. But I also deeply value the community that surrounds art. Meeting fellow artists at exhibitions, connecting with viewers, participating in creative events — these moments become meaningful markers in my journey. They allow me to see my work through others’ eyes, to gain perspective, and to grow. Online communities and digital platforms have also helped create spaces for reflection and dialogue, especially during phases when physical gatherings are sparse.

'Floating Pop' by Mansi Rawal

Right now, I’m working on a few abstract pieces. The theme is intentionally open, allowing space for fluid exploration. While the process is intuitive, it’s supported by a structured flow — a balance I find essential. I’m also excited to share that my work will be displayed at the Rome International Art Fair in Rome from the 11th to the 24th of July 2025. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share my evolving visual language with a new audience. In addition, I have two publications scheduled for release in July and August 2025, where I’ll be sharing a few more visual works.

Ultimately, my art is about connection — to myself, to others, and to something quieter and deeper that often escapes language. It’s not about perfection or prestige. It’s about presence. And if my work allows someone to pause, feel seen, or remember something essential about themselves, then I know I’ve done my part and created something meaningful.

Website: www.mansirawal.com

Social media: https://www.instagram.com/mansi_rrawal/