From the Himalayas to Digital Art, a Journey of Creativity and Perseverance.
From humble beginnings come great things. This sentiment encapsulates Khwampa’s serendipitous journey, which began in a small village in the northern reaches of India, nestled in the Himalayas. His childhood was a beautiful one, surrounded by flowing rivers, vibrant festivals, and the peace and serenity of the mountains. These memories, steeped in the spirituality of his village, became the cornerstone of the symbolism that now breathes life into his art. However, despite the boundless inspiration to be found in nature’s beauty, his upbringing was challenging and antithetical an artistic career. Jobs were rare, subsistence agriculture took precedence over creativity, and pursuing art was seen by his relatives as a futile endeavour.
At the age of six, Khwampa's family made the decision to leave the mountains and move to a rural area near Delhi in search of industry and a more prosperous economy. Compared to the simplicity and safety of the mountains and a close-knit community, the outskirts of Delhi were hostile, and violence was commonplace. Khwampa learned to find solace in his own company. He kept himself safe, but the longing for the mountains never left him. The first few years of one's life are like a psychedelic experience - vivid, visceral, and unforgettable. Khwampa's art began as a reflection of those early memories, a way to hold onto the tranquility that once surrounded him.
Khwampa was able to get an education, and decided to pursue mechanical engineering, driven by his fascination with mechanical and architectural design. He saw it less about maths, and more about creativity. Later, aspiring to earn a master's degree in design, Khwampa set his sights on the prestigious National Institute of Design, but was denied admission. However, the application had required exceptional drawing skills, which reignited his love for drawing that had begun in his youth when he’d sketch with broken pencils on the back pages of worn-out notebooks. Drawing became his anchor and his passion, and remains so today.
Before 2018, Khwampa had rarely even laid eyes on a computer. Luckily, he received his first cellphone that year, courtesy of a six-month free internet initiative which opened up a world of possibilities for him, specifically, digital art. Critics of digital art sometimes fail to grasp its significance, viewing it as inaccessible. Khwampa sees digital art as opening doors for those who cannot afford the materials needed for physical art. It is a democratising force, allowing anyone with a computer and a spark of creativity to become an artist.
Painting had been an elusive dream for Khwampa; it was prohibitively expensive. His artistic salvation came in 2018 when he acquired his first computer, and discovered MS Paint. It allowed him to revisit the joy of drawing, using the pencil tool to sketch, and the fill tool to add colours to his creations. In his own words, Khwampa dispels the myth that digital art requires expensive equipment. He believes anyone can paint, regardless of tools, with perseverance and consistency. His mantra for success is simple yet profound: ‘learn to outwork yourself and everyone around you.’ Khwampa is a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
Khwampa’s Instagram has become a chronicle of his artistic evolution, showcasing his unwavering dedication to drawing. In 2020, he discovered the world of NFTs, and earlier this year he released his first series on Verse, Simple Thoughts. Inspiration flows through Khwampa like the rivers of his childhood. He doesn't seek to replicate others' work but to explore his own inner voice, driven by a desire to be the best version of himself as an artist.
Inspired by the likes of Lebbeus Woods, Khwampa reimagines architecture through an expressive artistic lens. His work transcends the conventional and invites viewers to see structures through a different, more emotive perspective. He doesn't seek to replicate the works of others but instead harnesses the introspection and self-discovery that art inspires in him.
His newest work is steeped in symbolism from his Himalayan roots. A Window Into My Soul displays the Om symbol, which is one of the most important symbols in Hinduism. It represents the sound of the universe, a frequency that resonates with the very essence of existence. Deserted Station displays the Hindu Swastika. This symbol has been problematically received by viewers of Khwampa’s work for it’s association with Nazism following its appropriation. However, in Indian religions including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, it is a powerful symbol of divinity and spirituality often found in religious temples and the front entrances of homes.
Khwampa's art embodies a unique journey – one of creativity, struggle, and unyielding determination. It reflects the spiritual and cultural heritage of his homeland and the beauty and peace of the mountains, and is a testament to the transformative power of art and the human spirit's ability to overcome any obstacle in its pursuit.
