Anubha Kaw turns enchantment of silk into entrancement of art

Anubha Kaw spent the last decade exploring various subjects, mediums and techniques of art; however, it was during her sabbatical from a rewarding career in IT, she discovered her true love: silk painting.

Nature, spirituality and the serene beauty of the mountains she grew up in Kashmir, are at the heart of her inspiration. She draws from them deeply and brings them to life on the soft, luxurious canvas of silk. Whether it is the emotions provoked by a landscape or quiet moments of reflection, her pieces strive to impart grace and meaning.

Her silk creations have reached audiences far and beyond, gaining her international recognition.

As a silk artist, Anubha blends tradition, craftsmanship and sustainability in her works. Specialising in hand-painted silk and intricate hand embroidery, she transforms fabric into living tapestries of movement, memory, and connection.

Colours depicting Euphoria.

Each of her pieces reflect an ongoing dialogue between the past and present, with ancient artistry meeting contemporary mores. Her works are a combination of abstract art on silk, touched and embossed by sinuous hand embroidery.

Anubha has exhibited her works widely, including at ADIHEX (2021); #NOFILTERDXB with Artsmiley (2021); RANG with Funun Arts (2022); World Art Dubai with Funun Arts (2022); INDEX Dubai (2022); Group exhibition with First Wish Art Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia (2023); Art UAQ and World Art Dubai, solo art exhibition (2025), among many others. The awards and recognition she has won include the Best Artwork Award conferred by the Ambassador of India to UAE Sunjay Sudhir at the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi (2022) and the Anni Albers Award for most outstanding Textile and Fiber Artist – Textile Sustainability - at Artistic Luminary Awards, Dubai (2024). She was also chosen to conduct the silk painting workshop at Ras Al Khaimah Art festival (2023). “Silk is more than a canvas to me,” says Anubha. “Through it, I explore the dialogues between tradition and transformation. My intention is to create work that not only adorns space, but also tells a visual story - one that bridges craft and fine art, tradition and innovation, personal memory and cultural continuity.” Anubha Kaw speaks to Gulf Today about her tryst with silk

Can you tell us how you discovered silk painting?

Primarily, I used to work with oil - a medium I love for its depth and richness. But one day, out of sheer curiosity and simply to enjoy a creative outing with my little girl, I booked ourselves a silk painting workshop in Abu Dhabi. The moment I felt the silk and touched the brush to the fabric, I was completely mesmerised. The fluid movement of the dye, the softness of the fabric and the way colours naturally bloomed and blended, felt as though the fabric was breathing with the paint. What began as a casual exploration quickly turned into a deep and evolving passion.

What does painting on silk offer that other mediums like oil, mixed media or acrylic cannot?

Painting on silk offers a sense of delicacy, spontaneity and flow that I haven’t found in other mediums like oil and acrylics. The way the dye or the paint moves across the silk is almost alive. There’s also a luminous transparency to silk that allows light to pass through the colours, adding a softness and dimension that feels almost dreamlike.

How do you source the silk?

I source my silk from trusted suppliers who specialise in high-quality natural fabrics. Whenever possible, I try to support small-scale or ethical producers, as sustainability and quality are both important to my practice.

Who are the artists in your genre you find inspirational? Why are they so?

I admire Karen Sistek for the way she redefines silk art with scale and emotion. Her beautiful floral paintings on silk capture both delicacy and vibrancy, and her mastery of the medium is truly inspiring. Another artist is John Martono, who influences me for transforming textiles and discarded materials into powerful visual narratives.

Can you tell us how you blend cultural traditions and contemporary features?

I draw inspiration from traditional textile techniques such as silk painting and embroidery, which carry a deep sense of history and craftsmanship. I also bring a modern perspective through abstract forms, contemporary colour palettes and personal narratives, that reflect the world I live in today.

Anubha Kaw smiles at the camera.

Why do you think embroidery enhances a silk painting?

Silk painting captures movement, light and emotion through colour and natural sheen, whereas embroidery brings in texture, structure, and rhythm. The contrast between the softness of the silk and the precision of the thread, creates a beautiful dialogue that enriches the overall experience of the artwork.

Besides landscapes, what are your subjects?

My subjects often revolve around emotions, memories, and the unseen rhythms of daily life. I am drawn to abstract forms, organic shapes and subtle gestures that express inner states of being. Sometimes, a piece is inspired by a fleeting feeling, a conversation or even a moment of silence. I also explore the passage of time, movement and human connections that are deeply personal, but also universally felt.

What are the stories your works narrate?

They speak of transitions, physical and emotional, of places I have been, people I have encountered, and the feelings those experiences have left behind. Through colour, texture and form, I try to capture the invisible threads that bind us, stories of change, resilience, longing, and hope.