On days when social media users are not busy trolling celebrities for non-significant things, they try and bring to the fore a handful of talented artists from across the globe. One such London-based Indian artist, who refers to herself as a fashion illustrator, has been recreating some iconic fashion moments on art canvases with sheer aplomb.
From Sonam Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra in Ralph & Russo, Sabyasachi and Jason Wu to Hollywood’s Emma Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Felicity Jones and Nicole Kidman sporting the likes of Dior and Armani among others- Aparna Ram's Instagram feed 'Cuckoo For Colour' has covered it all.
In her thirties now, Ram recalls that she’s been painting since a very young age but it was only 3 years back that she decided to share her work on social media. “In 2014, I had taken up painting with watercolours and I really wanted to share what I was creating with an audience. Instagram seemed the perfect place to do this.”
“Initially, I was apprehensive to share my work as I didn't want to be judged too harshly. But the more I created and shared, the more I was practising and refining my style,” she says.
Holding a master’s degree in Finance & Investment, painting and recreating red carpet moments might seem a far-fetched dream for some. But Ram says that her love for and interest in fashion encouraged her to take it up seriously. “I love illustrating red carpet fashion simply because I love fashion. I love the glitz and glamour of it all. And the pretty red carpet dresses make for great watercolour illustrations.”
She adds, “I look forward to the high profile events such as The Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival, the Met Gala, and the Filmfare Awards, and eagerly wait to see what red carpet looks actresses have chosen.”
On being asked the basis on which she decides what to paint, Ram says that she zeroes it down on to her favourite gowns, noting, “I simply pick out my favourite gowns. The excitement I have for my favourites makes painting them so much more fun.”
Her Instagram feed also boasts of certain iconic moments including the engagement announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle or the return of popular Netflix series The Crown besides the frequent red carpet moments with leading ladies donning the best of designers
Having brought up in abroad, Ram points out that Bollywood and other regional films keep her connected to the Indian roots. “Like many NRIs born in India but who grew up abroad, I have loved watching Bollywood movies since a young age. It is a way for us to keep connected to our roots. Bollywood and other regional films are a big part of Indian culture.”
Ram, who is currently working with a Delhi-based publication for a book, further finds her favourites in Deepika Padukone and Emma Stone and that’s perhaps why her Instagram feed has a handful of Deepika’s illustrations.
And at a time when Deepika’s upcoming film Padmavati finds itself mired in controversies, Ram, who shared an illustration of her first look, believes that art should be kept far away from fringe outfits and that politicians should focus on more relevant issues.
“I think art in any form should be removed from politics. Good art should be thought-provoking and should be able to inspire a conversation. I believe Indian politicians are better off focusing their energy working on the areas of sanitation, energy, healthcare and education. These are the things that impact lives of ordinary Indians and those that are economically disadvantaged,” she says.
Here are some of her best illustrations:
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