Nature always fights back; she also senses kindred spirits. Artist Kapila Nahender’s solo show, Pockets of Resistance, not only mirrors these attributes of Nature, but also explores themes of identity, nostalgia and memories.
The artist for whom Bengaluru has always been home, feels “this fast-changing city has ballooned into something quite unrecognisable”. “The city used to move at a slower pace and its growth has been quite overwhelming,” says Kapila.
She adds, “I am constantly on the look out for little pockets here that resonate with my idea of home because I cannot claim to know the city anymore.”
Kapila believes such notions of identity arise when one’s surroundings change drastically. “It is a human emotion to want to feel connected; we want to feel included. Everybody wants their life to be witnessed by people who care for them and are a part of their life.”
The artist who uses her family home as a studio, feels a kinship with the trees and plants there and says her work is “a homage to these witnesses of my life”.
Apart from these obvious references in Pockets of Resistance, Kapila says her work also reflects notions of migration and inclusiveness. “I enjoy morning walks after the rain; flowers, leaves and twigs are strewn on the ground. Some are not from my garden, while some from my home are probably moving elsewhere. This migration of things that fall is quite fascinating and I see it as a metaphor for what is happening in the city.”
“Today, there are different people with varied habits and expectations. The trees here — the gulmohar, jacaranda and tabebuia — are from other lands too, but now, they are very much a part of Bengaluru’s landscape.”
As an artist, Kapila primarily works with oils, but often incorporates different objects in her work such as the flowers and sacred thread from her regular visits to the temple. “I keep asking myself about the environment and if my choices are sustainable, even with regard to my art practice, and how objects of today can continue to be relevant tomorrow as well.”
Talking about her work, Kapila says Nature is a force that will find a way to survive no matter what. “In Pockets of Resistance, I’ve used a lot of grey in reference to the cement dust that is mixed with the sand here that tells its own story. More than staying close to Nature, we must realise we cannot do without it; we need to surrender to its forces rather than defy it.”
She elaborates that her opposition to what is being called “progress” is to “maintain this Earth I call home.” “It is expensive, time consuming and precious — reasons enough for me to hold on to this idea of home,” she says, adding she hopes her work will resonate with like-minded people.
“Nature has her way of comforting us, calming us, slowing us down, and bringing back balance. One need not have a huge garden, even a few potted plants suffice. We are moving so fast, we don’t take the time to appreciate fallen flowers; we tend to overlook the simple pleasures of life.”
Pockets of Resistance by Kapila Nahender is on view at Venkatappa Art Gallery till March 29, 11am to 6pm. Mondays closed, entry fee ₹20 for adults, ₹5 for children.
Published – March 23, 2026 07:04 pm IST
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