Aksharscape By Nikheel Aphale

In his solo show, Aksharscape, the calligraphy artist, Nikheel Aphale, is moving beyond how we use letters. He uses the Devanagri script to create a way more powerful narrative of emotions stemming from mythology, prayers and nuances of humanity. The work offers you a fascinating and enchanting world shaped by the letters of the Devanagari script. It presents a rich and varied landscape—one that spans diverse themes, forms, and mediums. Through this body of work, 'I aim to introduce audiences to a lesser-explored artistic language, where letters are not merely carriers of verbal or written meaning, but powerful visual elements in their own right. Aksharscape is an artistic proposition to see letters not just as symbols of sound, but as forms that evoke emotion, memory, and imagination.'

What is the true meaning behind Aksharscape?
Aksharscape is a conceptual landscape shaped by the abstract beauty of Devanagari letters. In this body of work, the alphabet transcends its linguistic role, transforming into visual forms that stir memory, emotion, reflection, and imagination. Each letter becomes more than a symbol—it becomes a gesture of self-expression and a bridge between script and sentiment. Aksharscape invites viewers to experience language not just as text, but as an art form, where meaning is felt as much as it is read.

Were you introduced to the Devanagari script early on in life? 
Growing up in Mumbai with Marathi as my mother tongue, I have been immersed in the sounds and visuals of the Devanagari script since birth, an early exposure that forged a deep, enduring, and comforting bond with it. This connection has become central to my artistic journey, inspiring me to explore Devanagari not merely as a tool of language but as a contemporary art form.
Furthermore, I realised that while Japanese, Persian, and Chinese calligraphy were celebrated internationally, Devanagari (and other Indian scripts) were not given their due recognition. This realisation fueled my dedication to crafting a visual language that resonates with both Devanagari’s traditional roots and contemporary relevance.

What inspires/influences you to keep creating?
Undoubtedly, the beauty that lies in the forms of letters stimulates my art. Each time I delve deeper into their structure, they reveal unexpected layers, surprising me with forms I hadn’t seen before. With every exploration, the same letters offer fresh perspectives, evoking new meanings and emotions. Beyond the letters themselves, the grammar and the characteristics of the script implore me to explore and connect them to a range of everyday experiences—emotional encounters, nostalgia, history, mythology, and the world around me. What I see, read, or watch—whether cheerful or troubling—inevitably finds its way into the creative process, becoming part of the evolving narrative.

You create sustainably by using different tools such as toothbrushes, sponges, bank cards, feathers, and coconut husk, to explore new ways of expressing his artistic voice. How does this enhance your art?
I like to challenge the conventional perception of calligraphy by creating abstract and often intentionally illegible letters. As a part of my process, I explore both traditional and unconventional tools as well as found objects. This allows me to push expressive boundaries— bringing out textures, tactility, energy, and feel, adding depth to my works. These tools don't just shape the letters; they connect to the stories and contribute to the visual language that defines my practice.

What are you working on next?
I am keen on exploring large-format works, where letters take on a larger-than-life presence. It will be challenging yet fascinating to create works at that scale, offering a liberating sense of movement. I envision my letters extending beyond the traditional boundaries of paper and ink, reimagined through different materials and disciplines such as textiles, metal, fashion, ceramics, and more. Collaborating with experts from these fields could unfold exciting new dimensions for my practice, allowing letterforms to exist as immersive, tactile, and cross-disciplinary experiences.

Aksharscape is on till the 1st of June at Bikaner House and is presented by Artisera. 

Words Hansika Lohani
28.5.2025