Akshita Lad is an award-winning artist based in Dubai, celebrated for her emotionally resonant and timeless works.
Drawing from Renaissance classicism and Impressionist luminosity, she blends traditional techniques with a contemporary emotional appeal. Akshita’s work invites viewers to rediscover the silent, sacred spaces within themselves.
Her paintings have been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues such as the Louvre Museum (Paris), MEAM Museum (Barcelona), Saatchi Gallery (London), and in exhibitions during the Venice Biennale.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, Akshita Lad was awarded the UAE Golden Visa for Arts and Culture — one of the most prestigious honors granted by the UAE Ministry of Culture. This highly selective visa is the cultural equivalent of the U.S. Extraordinary Ability (O-1) Talent Visa, granted only to a small number of artists whose work demonstrates exceptional merit and impact. It marks a major milestone in an artist’s career, acknowledging both international recognition and long-term value to the cultural landscape of the UAE.
ArtDependence (AD): How does your work reflect your view of the world right now?
Akshita Lad (AL): The world today feels as if it stands at a turning point — between division and unity, despair and hope. By nature, I remain an optimist. My art reflects that enduring belief in humanity’s capacity for love, connection, and peace.
Through each painting, I strive to remind viewers that even in uncertain times, beauty and compassion remain our most powerful sources of strength. Nature, as portrayed in my work, becomes a symbol of renewal — a reminder that even after the darkest winters, life always finds a way to begin again.
AD: What role do you think art plays in connecting people today?
AL: In today’s digital age, art has become more accessible than ever, allowing its message to reach people across all boundaries of culture, geography, and circumstance. Art is a universal language — one that speaks directly to the heart, beyond words or social divides. It has the power to transcend differences, evoke emotion, and remind us of our shared humanity. What I love most about art is that it invites a deeply personal experience — no two people feel it in exactly the same way, yet it unites us through the emotions it stirs.
Akshita Lad, Spring's Awakening, 2025
AD: Can you tell us the story behind the artwork 'Spring's Awakening'?
AL: 'Spring’s Awakening' captures the spirit of renewal and hope that defines the season. Through its soft layers of color and light, it reflects nature’s quiet rebirth and the sense of optimism that comes with new beginnings. As with the rest of my Soft Impressions series, the changing seasons serve as a metaphor for the cycles of life — reminding us of our interconnectedness and the delicate balance that sustains all living beings. Since the dawn of time, it has been our sacred duty to protect and cherish life in all its forms, to honor nature, and to preserve the bonds that unite us with every living being on this planet.
AD: What message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from your art?
AL: I hope my art stirs something deep and visceral — an awareness of the breathtaking beauty and preciousness of our planet, its diverse landscapes, creatures, and people. Through my paintings, I wish to awaken a sense of wonder, gratitude, and hope. I want viewers to pause and recognize the value of the present moment — to focus on the good that surrounds us, even amid uncertainty. Life is fleeting, and each moment is sacred. If my work can inspire people to see beauty where they are, to live with more compassion and appreciation for all living beings, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
AD: What inspired you to take part in the Art to Collect project?
AL: I was drawn to the project’s thoughtful curatorial vision, which seamlessly connects
historical masters with emerging contemporary voices. I’m delighted to be selected
as one of the featured artists on this rapidly growing platform that has earned such
respect and momentum in a short time. It feels like a natural fit — a space that aligns
with my values and artistic sensibility.
Main Image: Akshita Lad, Spring's Hope, 2025