Through her vast range of work, Dr. Aswathy Raveendran nurtures the intersection of literature, art, and ecology, offering a sense of calm while paying homage to the beauty of nature’s unblemished landscapes…writes Shelja Pallath
Dr. Aswathy Raveendran, standing at the crossroads of archives, art, and ecology, has formulated a distinctive path in her career. As a professional academic, researcher, and artist, she integrates a profound exploration of intertwining themes: humanity and nature. What began as an unconventional hobby during her PhD studies has now transformed into a phenomenon of life greatly cherished.
Her art reflects the deep connection she feels with nature, inviting viewers to explore the wild through painting. For Aswathy, nature is both a muse and a metaphor. She draws inspiration from the serenity and majesty of the natural world, especially forests. Through her artwork, she allows others to step into the wild, feel the soft embrace of moss-covered earth, listen to the symphony of rustling leaves, and witness the hidden lives that thrive in the shadows. “The forest is more than just a subject,” she says. “It is a metaphor for resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of life.”
Her style incorporates realism, naturalism, and tonalism, creating an atmosphere that is both deep and thought-provoking. Adept in oils, acrylics, and charcoal, Aswathy uses multiple layers of texture in each piece to enhance depth and dimension. Her work often features dark, moody landscapes influenced by Gothic art, focusing on light and shadow. She spends hours observing landscapes before putting her brushes to work, a process she believes is essential to creating authentic art.
What began as a stress reliever during her PhD studies has blossomed into a transformative practice. Initially, Aswathy had no intention of pursuing art seriously. But as she began to share her work on social media, encouraged by family and friends, she was overwhelmed by the response.
“I realize now that my interest in art was subconsciously nurtured by the literature classes I attended, the books I read, and my travels into the wild,” she reflects.
Her advocacy for ecology is driven by her deep love for nature. She hopes her artwork inspires others to revere nature and take collective responsibility for protecting the ecosystems that sustain life. Aswathy’s dedication to both art and ecology has earned her numerous honours and awards. Her works have been showcased in several prominent galleries across India and the UAE. She was also selected as one of the artists in the 51st and 52nd State Exhibitions conducted by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi.
In 2024, her painting at the Pentaverate Exhibition in Kolkata impressed the Governor of West Bengal, earning her a special invitation to Rashtrapati Bhavan. There, she and her fellow artists were honoured with a Scroll of Honour for their contributions to the development of art. Beyond exhibitions, Aswathy believes in spreading her love for art to others by regularly hosting workshops for adults and children. These workshops nurture creativity while allowing participants to experience nature through painting.
After completing 17 exhibitions, Aswathy is now focusing on her upcoming solo exhibition, a new milestone in her artistic journey. Though she is a multidisciplinary artist, her passion for nature remains the heart of her work. A passionate traveller and trekker, Aswathy has explored some of the most stunning natural sights in the world, including Everest Base Camp and Hampta Pass in the Himalayas.
Her goal, in all her endeavors—whether research, painting, or outdoor activities is to comprehend, represent, and protect nature. Through her vast range of work, Dr. Aswathy Raveendran nurtures the intersection of literature, art, and ecology, offering a sense of calm while paying homage to the beauty of nature’s unblemished landscapes.
Aswathy’s academic background further complements her artistic and ecological endeavors. She completed her B.A. and M.A. in English at St. Aloysius University, Mangalore, before holding an M.Phil and PhD in English Literature from Gandhigram University in Tamil Nadu. She brings a rich intellectual foundation to her research in ecological narration, speculative fiction, and cultural studies. As an assistant professor at Jain University in Kochi, she integrates her academic expertise with her creative pursuits, constantly exploring the discourse between art and storytelling. Dr. Aswathy is also affiliated with professional organizations such as DHARTI and holds a diploma in Aviation, Hospitality, and Travel Management, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to the nature-culture nexus and creativity.
Have a look at some of her paintings here:
(Images are used with permission from Dr. Aswathy. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of images prohibited without the express consent of the copyright holder.)
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