Sravya Attaluri talks ‘Desi in Design’ & Artwork

In the fascinating world of South Asian art, Sravya Attaluri is a talent of originality and depth.

Her artwork carries complexity, meaning, and is a tapestry of ornate colour and exquisite design.

Sravya Attaluri has worked on the exciting podcast Desi in Design.

The project aims to highlight the silent journeys of artists and underscore the work of Desi talents.

These include Indian, Pakistani, Bengali, and Sri Lankan individuals. 

A social impact artist and illustrator of high calibre and magnitude, there is no better person to headline this podcast than Sravya Attaluri.

In our exclusive interview, she delved into Desi in Design, as well as her art career that continues to inspire many.

Can you tell us about Desi in Design? What is it about, and what are its themes?

Desi in Design is a newly launched podcast that explores the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of South Asian artists and designers from around the world.

Through honest conversations, Desi in Design challenges South Asian legacy stigmas about creative career paths.

It also tackles topics like finances, creative hurdles, and race-related barriers, offering practical tips and insider insights.

Ultimately, I created the podcast to shine a spotlight on the often silent journeys of South Asian artists and boost representation for Desi visionaries.

How important do you think the representation of South Asian artists is in current society?

Representation in South Asian culture breaks stereotypes that have been perpetuated for decades.

The typical or “accepted” professions within our community often involve the sciences.

So, unfortunately, there’s a whole group of creative South Asians that exist who never consider a career in the arts simply because they don’t see it in mainstream media. 

What inspired you to undertake this podcast?

I’m a third-culture South Asian artist born in India, raised in Korea and Hong Kong, and currently live in London.

I’ve navigated my career without much representation or creative mentorship.

I hope this podcast can help build a support network of fellow creatives who understand each other’s unique cultural and professional struggles.

I also hope it sheds some light on why art is a path worth pursuing.

Having a community that understands the pressures of my field has made me feel less alone, and I’ve realised there’s power in sharing our journeys. 

In hosting Desi in Design, I wanted to utilise my unique background and passion for social impact to spotlight South Asian creatives, sharing their stories and amplifying their voices in the art and design world.

Can you tell us about the guests featured on the podcast and why you decided to include them in the project?

It has already been such a surreal experience having the opportunity to interview some of my role models and dream guests like fine artist Laxmi Hussain.

We also have multidisciplinary artist Murugiah and the tattoo artist Nikki Kotecha.

Joining us is also 3D artist/motion designer Hashmukh Kerai.

On Desi in Design, we have conversations with a variety of artists who share unique perspectives on pursuing creative career paths. 

What more needs to be done to challenge South Asian stigmas?

Challenging South Asian stigmas requires honest, sometimes difficult conversations that normalise creative careers.

We need diverse representation of the South Asian community, including Queer, East Asian and West African diasporas, neurodiverse individuals who are all thriving in creative fields.

Because: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Parents within our community also need to understand that creative careers can be viable and successful with more transparency around finances to support and guide their children.

What motivated you to become an artist?

Art has always been my way of expressing myself. Growing up in Hong Kong and Korea as part of a third-culture upbringing, I realised art transcends boundaries and is a universal language.

I’ve seen how it can educate, advocate, and empower.

That’s what inspired me to use art not only as a passion but as a tool for activism and storytelling.

Are there any artists who have inspired you? If so, in what ways?

The artists I interviewed on Desi in Design are a huge source of inspiration, and they each bring something unique to our conversations.

Beyond that, I’ve always admired Keith Haring for his universal, accessible style and Kehinde Wiley for his stunning representation of culture and heritage through portraiture.

My inspirations evolve constantly, as I’m always discovering new ways art can communicate.

Can you tell us anything about your future work?

My personal work is increasingly exploring my heritage, my third-culture identity, and mental health themes, influenced by my Master’s studies in neuroscience and psychology. 

For Desi in Design, I aim to expand it into a thriving creative community.

Next year, I’m planning panels, workshops, and events in collaboration with other South Asians to spotlight diverse career paths and build a community that feels inspired and empowered to pursue fulfilling creative careers.

What do you hope the audience will take away from Desi in Design?

I hope the podcast gives the audience permission to embrace creativity, learn new things as adults, and feel validated seeing people like themselves thriving in creative careers.

I want young South Asian creatives to know they can aim high, reach out to us, and use the advice and stories shared as inspiration to pursue their dreams.

At the same time, I hope the wider design and creative world recognises the incredible talent within the South Asian community and spotlights us further.

I hope our peers will support us, too, as we continue to seek solidarity within the creative community.

Collaboration and encouragement from fellow creatives can amplify our voices and help showcase the diversity of South Asian talent on a global stage.

Sravya Attaluri clearly knows the direction in which she is taking her podcast.

It is refreshing to see her embark on a project that shines a light on the South Asian community like never before.

Desi in Design not only highlights South Asian artwork but also celebrates it.

For that, Sravya should be commended and applauded for this endeavour.

You can find out more about the podcast right here.