Artisera Presents ‘Aksharscape’: A Solo Exhibition by Contemporary Calligrapher Nikheel Aphale at Bikaner House, New Delhi
Artisera is proud to present Aksharscape, a solo exhibition of contemporary calligraphy by celebrated artist Nikheel Aphale, taking place at Bikaner House, New Delhi, from May 28 to June 1, 2025. The exhibition marks Nikheel’s debut solo show in the capital and promises a powerful visual journey through the Devanagari script.
Rooted in the fluidity of calligraphic abstraction, Aksharscape reimagines Devanagari letters not merely as linguistic tools, but as emotive, symbolic forms. Blending tradition with contemporary thought, Aphale’s work transcends literal meaning, transforming script into meditative landscapes that evoke memory, introspection, and cultural reflection.
An Artist Reimagining Devanagari Calligraphy
Nikheel Aphale has been at the forefront of redefining Devanagari calligraphy. A practitioner since 2006, he recognized a lack of global recognition for the script — despite its use in Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, and Nepali. This realization became the driving force behind his mission: to elevate Devanagari as a fine art form.
“My calligraphy has literally flourished in Delhi,” says Nikheel, who lived and worked in the city for over a decade. “I’m overjoyed to return with my first solo exhibition here.”
His compositions, often minimalist and predominantly black and white, feature measured brushstrokes, rich textures, and innovative tools — from toothbrushes and sponges to coconut husks. These experimental methods allow him to push beyond traditional definitions of calligraphy, offering works that are both gestural and deeply meditative.
By peeling away layers of legibility, his works encourage viewers to find meaning in abstraction. The letters become unbound from language, bridging the spiritual and the contemporary, and evoking broader themes like unity, inclusivity, and humanity.
From Sacred Strokes to International Recognition
Nikheel’s debut solo exhibition, Sacred Strokes (2020), was a sold-out success. Since then, his works have been featured internationally — in South Korea, Taiwan, Belgium, and the United States — and he’s earned accolades such as the Excellence in Calligraphy award at the Jikji International Calligraphy Exhibition. His art is part of India’s new Parliament Building and has been spotlighted in Vogue, NDTV, Letter Arts Review, Typism, and POOL.
Educated at LS Raheja School of Arts and the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Nikheel also studied under renowned text artist Brody Neuenschwander. He is a TEDx speaker, educator, and designer whose creative voice continues to inspire globally.
Artisera’s Commitment to Cultural Innovation
“Aksharscape reflects Artisera’s mission to celebrate unique artistic voices rooted in Indian culture,” says Varun Backliwal, co-founder of Artisera. “Nikheel Aphale’s work is visually striking, emotionally rich, and intellectually grounded — we believe he’s an artist to watch.”
Founded in 2015, Artisera is a leading platform for fine art and collectibles, with a flagship gallery in Bangalore and a curated online presence. It champions both contemporary talent and India’s rich artistic traditions through immersive exhibitions and global outreach.
Image Courtesy – Artisera
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