Chawl

by Nikheel Aphale

(inclusive of taxes)

This artwork is accompanied by an Authenticity Certificate.

All orders are insured for transit.

We ship worldwide.

Request Information

Request A Call Back

This artwork is accompanied by an Authenticity Certificate.

All orders are insured for transit.

We ship worldwide.

Details

Size:	20 x 28 inches
Medium:	Inks on Paper
Year:	2025
Signature:	Bottom Right in Hindi

Description

Though the artist never lived in a chawl, he experienced its spirit as a child—visiting friends, attending tuition classes, sharing the same neighbourhood. This humble architectural space is a microcosm of people from diverse backgrounds, communities, and faiths, all coexisting in harmony. A chawl functions like a family—residents may argue and disagree, but they also help one another, standing together in difficult times.
This spirit of coexistence and interdependence mirrors the consonants in the Varnamala (alphabet)—each distinct, yet coming together seamlessly. Letters, like chawl residents, borrow, blend, and support one another, forming a rich, interconnected tapestry of language.

Description

Though the artist never lived in a chawl, he experienced its spirit as a child—visiting friends, attending tuition classes, sharing the same neighbourhood. This humble architectural space is a microcosm of people from diverse backgrounds, communities, and faiths, all coexisting in harmony. A chawl functions like a family—residents may argue and disagree, but they also help one another, standing together in difficult times.
This spirit of coexistence and interdependence mirrors the consonants in the Varnamala (alphabet)—each distinct, yet coming together seamlessly. Letters, like chawl residents, borrow, blend, and support one another, forming a rich, interconnected tapestry of language.

Read More
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.

Read More

Details

Size:	20 x 28 inches
Medium:	Inks on Paper
Year:	2025
Signature:	Bottom Right in Hindi

AUTHENTICITY

This artwork is accompanied by an Authenticity Certificate.

Returns

We accept returns within 7 days of delivery if the item reaches you in damaged condition.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Artworks should be displayed away from direct sunlight and breeze. To clean accumulated dust from a painting, use a soft, dry brush very lightly on the surface. Make sure there is no moisture on the bristles before touching the artwork. For repairing more severe damage, such as cracks or discolouration, it is best to seek help from a professional. Once a year, remove the artwork from the wall for a couple of days to let the wall breathe and avoid moisture accumulation.
Shipping

Shipping costs are extra, and will be calculated based on the shipping address.

All orders are insured for transit.

We ship worldwide.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Artworks should be displayed away from direct sunlight and breeze. To clean accumulated dust from a painting, use a soft, dry brush very lightly on the surface. Make sure there is no moisture on the bristles before touching the artwork. For repairing more severe damage, such as cracks or discolouration, it is best to seek help from a professional. Once a year, remove the artwork from the wall for a couple of days to let the wall breathe and avoid moisture accumulation.

Read More

SHARE