Artist Priyanka Aelay brings a magical world to Bengaluru with her solo show

Stardust, Moonshine and I, is a solo exhibition of works by the Hyderabad-based artist created over the past three years, and is currently on display at KYNKYNY Art Gallery in the city. “Whatever I am doing now has been learned as a process while pursuing a PhD.”

Talking about her journey as an artist, Priyanka shares how her research on South Indian folk stories, expanded her horizons. “I was looking at how stories travel between media, language, time and space, specifically in the world of cinema. Classics such as Bala Nagamma and Maya Baazar borrowed from plays, but the original story line is seen in folk tales. This can be observed across most Indian languages, especially Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam.”

Priyanka Aelay
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Priyanka says childhood exposure to the oral and visual narrative traditions of South India plays a part in Stardust, Moonshine and I. “These works can be seen as my interpretation or parallel representation of what could have been there in these stories after age-old revivals.”

At the same time, there is no denying the age we live in, says the artist. “According to lore, Bala Nagmma would keep count of days based on the moon cycle. I am attempting bring this point to our generation which no longer looks to the moon for the same reason, thanks to digital media.”

“In a way, my work addresses oral, narrative traditions, and what we are doing currently. The series also addresses time and space.”

As many as 32 pieces of art executed using acrylic on linen, portray “an imaginative landscape”, lush with carefree creatures and exotic plant life thriving in a world untouched by concern. The brilliant hues and fantastical flora where birds and animals frolic undaunted, offer a peek into the artist’s world.

From Priyanka Aelay’s show Stardust, Moonshine and I
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“Irrespective of caste or community, I would like viewers to engage with my work on a universal level. I want them to enjoy the terrain and forget their busy lifestyles, worries and traffic, at least for a little while.”

Meandering start

Priyanka says the life of an artist came to her after she dabbled in other streams, and credits her father, artist Laxman Aelay, as being the voice of reason in her life. “He never forced my sister and I to do anything; instead, he always knew what to say at the right time.”

“We were familiar with the world of art from a young age. Apart from my father’s work as an artist and art director for films, he collected antiques and other items of cultural value such as wooden and leather puppets, murals, books and more. We also come from a weaver’s community; I’ve seen my grandfather create fabric, and I developed an affinity for handlooms.”

She recalls the time when she was in two minds about working with dying handlooms or becoming an artist full time, her father noted that it was easier to start as an artist and then foray into textiles, rather than the other way round.

She adds, “He said the time one spends working on art is never enough; no matter how long you paint, you never feel satisfied. Art is endless and you have to keep at it.” Priyanka says his words made immense sense to her and she took to art full time.

Stardust, Moonshine and I, will be on display at KYNKYNY Art Gallery, Bengaluru till December 26. Entry free, Sundays closed.

Published – December 15, 2025 03:35 pm IST