Pune Artist Krutika Parulkar to Showcase ‘Soul Impressions’ Through Watercolor Landscapes in Mumbai
Reported by Gayatri Kelkar
Pune, 5th September 2025: Painter Krutika Parulkar, a Kothrud-based artist, will be making her mark in the art world with her first solo exhibition, Soul Impressions, at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai from 8th to 14th September.
For Parulkar, nature is not just a muse but an intimate companion. She often spends time in natural surroundings, capturing fleeting moments with her camera before transforming them into deeply personal paintings in her studio. Her ongoing Banaras Ghat series, featuring 10–15 works, reflects the mystical interplay of light on water during the Ganga Aarti.
Inspired by her experience of watching the ceremony from a boat, the paintings depict shimmering reflections that blend realism with emotion. Her artistic journey began in school when she was in the 10th standard.
She later pursued formal training in applied arts and painting at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya. Over the past 12 years, Parulkar has developed a distinct style marked by thick paint application and realistic detailing. “Art is a way of expressing yourself. You should find your own style,” she says, recalling how criticism of her intricate watercolor work only strengthened her determination.
A milestone in her career was her selection for a solo exhibition at the prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery, which she describes as a “dream come true.” Over the years, she has painted monuments of Udaipur, Konkan landscapes, and the sculptures of Jaisalmer’s Jain temples, drawing inspiration from both nature and architecture. To date, she has sold more than 150 artworks.
Although she began with watercolors, Parulkar later explored oil painting. Since 2017, she has exhibited extensively, including two solo shows in Pune and several group exhibitions. Yet, she points out the challenges of sustaining art as a profession. “Digital art is cheaper than traditional paintings. People need to change their perspective and support artists more,” she says, adding that while awareness has grown, much work remains to be done.
Parulkar admires the works of artists like Prafull Sawant, Thierry Duval, and Joseph Zbukvic, but emphasizes that her paintings are not directly influenced by anyone. Instead, she has steadily built her own style, one that resonates with her emotions and lived experiences.
Her personal journey has also shaped her art. Married to an IT engineer, she struggled in the early years to balance home responsibilities with painting. “Those two years were very hard for me,” she admits, crediting her husband’s support for helping her regain her rhythm. During the pandemic, financial pressures led her to briefly join her family’s LED boards and advertising business, but painting has remained her true calling.
Her guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Be true to yourself, be honest, and be yourself.” For Krutika Parulkar, every reflection on water mirrors her inner calm — and through Soul Impressions, she invites viewers to share in that journey.
