like a moth to flame

Austin gallery shares more dramatic work from downtown's newest major muralist

Manik Raj Nakra's newest mural will debut in December, with more to see at Martha's.

Art by Manik Raj Nakra, courtesy of Martha's

Artist Manik Raj Nakra is set to debut his new works on paper at Martha’s, a cornerstone of Austin's art scene, beginning December 1. This exhibition, which builds upon Nakra's highly acclaimed Kali Moth series, precedes and complements his mural unveiling this December, at the prominent downtown street corner that The Contemporary Austin occupies and decorates.

One of the upcoming exhibitions will feature new works on paper by Manik Raj Nakra, an artist celebrated for his shows and murals, which Austinites may recognize via digital agency Big Medium and The Line Hotel. The exhibition at Martha’s is an extension of his highly acclaimed Kali Moth series.

Art by Manik Raj Nakra, courtesy of Martha's

Raj Nakra's work immerses viewers in teeming jungles where four-headed leopards perch on old world ruins, and silver-toothed monkeys pray for salvation. His artistry embodies a unique blend of Indian iconography, colonial anachronisms, artifacts from early civilizations, and mythologies from ancient cultures.

The Kali Moth series blends depictions of moths with Kali Ma, the Hindu Goddess of death, time, and change. Nakra has woven these themes into his art, exploring ritual, lust, mortality, and ceremony in the marriage of these two mythologies.

His collage technique on handmade paper echoes the western artistic traditions of early xeroxed cut-and-paste style punk flyers and zines, as well as the South Asian tradition of woodblock printing. This reflects Nakra’s personal journey as a first-generation Indian American.

Art by Manik Raj Nakra, courtesy of Martha's

Martha’s, co-owned and operated by Meredith Williams and Ricky Morales since its establishment in 2018, has been a vibrant platform for underrepresented artists, nurturing both emerging talents and those in their later-in-life careers.

"We are so excited to end this year strong and look forward to the exciting exhibitions and fairs ahead," said Williams in a press release. "We are very thankful for the opportunity to showcase such talented artists, and Ricky and I feel very enthusiastic about what's in store for 2024 and the years to come."

More information about the gallery and Martha’s can be found at marthascontemporary.com. This exhibition will close on January 6.

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Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

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