Humanity > Human

by Nikheel Aphale
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Details

Size: 44 x 38 inches
Medium: Inks on Canson Paper
Year: 2025
Signature: Bottom Centre in Hindi

Description

This artwork delves into the serene majesty of scale. The sweeping brushstrokes give birth to monumental letters. Though larger-than-life, they exude a quiet grace, a reverence that humbles rather than overwhelms. Beside them stands a solitary human figure, minuscule in comparison. This delicate juxtaposition forges a powerful visual dialogue—one that magnifies our smallness amid the vast canvas of existence. The letters, in all their diversity, are like gentle giants standing in for all of humanity. And in this expansive and contemplative realm, the viewer is invited to pause as a sense of awe unfurls, followed by wonder, and finally, a profound humility—reminding us of our place within the greater whole.

  • ABOUT Nikheel Aphale

    Letters not only speak to, but entice calligraphy artist Nikheel Aphale, who believes in taking calligraphy beyond its conventional definition of “the art of beautiful handwriting.” Nikheel uses his own letters – akshars – as a means of expression. Using calligraphy, he creates art that is imperfect yet beautiful, with the texture of ink, the spaces, the overlapping letterforms and mingling strokes making his artworks a truly visual experience. The Devanagari script is Nikheel’s muse; he adores its traditional and spiritual roots, and being the script of his mother tongue, Marathi, he feels deeply connected to it.
    Born in Mumbai in 1979, Nikheel has nurtured a fascination with alphabets since childhood. He graduated from LS Raheja School of Arts, Mumbai in applied arts and later obtained a post-graduation in graphic design from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Under the mentorship of Brody Neuenschwander, he has completed a two-year study exploring the creative dimensions of text art.
    In addition to his roles as an artist, TEDx speaker, educator, and book cover designer, Nikheel has had the privilege of speaking at various calligraphy events in India. He has also participated in prestigious art events such as the Auroville Art Residency in India, the One Asia Project in Taipei, and the online exhibition “A Brush with Silence” in Bruges, Belgium. Furthermore, Nikheel’s work has been showcased in prominent art events in South Korea, including the World Calligraphy Biennale and the Asian Calligraphy Festival. He received the ‘Excellence in Calligraphy’ award at the Jikji International Calligraphy Exhibition in South Korea. In 2023, his work received recognition by being long listed for the Jackson Painting Prize. Nikheel’s interviews and work have been featured in various international platforms and prominent publications such as juried issues of Letter Arts Review in the USA, Typism books, Vogue, Juggernaut, Platform, Kyoorius, POOL and NDTV. Nikheel’s work is part of the permanent display in India’s new Parliament Building. 

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