STUDENT CATEGORY
Trapped
Organic Color on Wasli 59 × 84 cm
Awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000/-

Astha Tiwari is an artist from Varanasi, pursuing her MFA at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she also completed her BFA. She creates contemporary miniature art with earth colors on wasli and uses mixed media to explore themes of identity, emotional growth, and resilience.

In Trapped–1, Astha Tiwari depicts her struggle during her bachelor’s studies, feeling overwhelmed by domestic duties and college work. The image of herself curled up in a cardboard box symbolizes being trapped between responsibilities, with elements from her surroundings representing the tension. This painting reflects her emotional exhaustion and longing for the freedom to pursue her passion for art.