Portraits used to be about faces. Now, they’re about feelings.
For centuries, Indian portraiture followed a familiar path—kings and queens immortalised in oil and gold, gods adorned in all their celestial glory. Beautiful, yes. But distant, removed, almost untouchable.
But look around today, and you’ll see something different happening.
Artists are painting portraits that don’t just show what people look like. They show who they are. They hold space for memory, emotion, identity—even discomfort. In India’s contemporary art scene, portraiture is no longer just a visual exercise. It’s a conversation—sometimes raw, sometimes tender, always genuine.
At Mojarto, we’ve seen firsthand how this shift stirs fresh excitement among collectors and creatives alike. And if you believe in art with a soul, portraiture is exactly where you want to be looking right now.
The Face Is Back—but It’s Saying Something New
Let’s be honest—our relationship with Indian portraiture has undergone a change.
It’s no longer just about likeness. Artists today are peeling back the layers. They’re capturing vulnerability, quiet strength, and internal battles. Sometimes, they paint what’s not said—the silence between two glances, the weight behind a stare.
You’ll notice that many modern portraits aren’t even focused on perfection. The skin isn’t airbrushed. The angles aren’t flattering. And yet, they hit you harder than anything you’ve seen in a while. Why? Because they’re true.
And truth, especially in visual form, is magnetic.
Collectors are leaning in—not just because these works look good on walls, but because they say something. They carry stories, questions, and voices that refuse to be ignored.
Self-Portraits, But Not the Kind You’re Thinking Of
The self-portrait is having a moment in India—but not in the traditional sense.
This isn’t just about artists looking in mirrors and sketching what they see. It’s more profound and more introspective. Many contemporary creators are using their faces and bodies as a canvas to unpack ideas of gender, caste, queerness, migration, and mental health.
You’ll find works where identity is fluid. Where the “self” doesn’t sit still, but moves—sometimes literally, through mixed media or digital layering.
What’s powerful about these self-portraits is their blurring of personal and political lines. They’re not just about one individual. They echo more prominent themes—more significant questions.
And in a time when everyone’s trying to be more authentic, more self-aware, these pieces resonate in surprising ways.
Tech Meets Tradition: Portraiture in the Digital Age
If you’ve been following the Indian art scene lately, you’ll know digital is more than just a trend—it’s a medium unlocking fresh possibilities.
We’re seeing artists blend traditional techniques with tech in truly cutting-edge ways. Think acrylic-on-canvas works incorporating digital scans, projections, or even AR overlays. Or digital portraits sold as NFTs—pieces you don’t just hang, but also own on the blockchain.
It’s a new portraiture that feels alive—interactive, responsive, even immersive.
The beauty is that you don’t have to be a crypto investor or a techie to appreciate it. You just have to be open to new expressions of creativity.
At Mojarto, we’ve curated some of these pieces for collectors who want to explore the sweet spot between craftsmanship and innovation.
Portraits That Don’t Look Like Portraits (But Are)
You might not expect that not all portraits look like faces.
Some are abstract. Some are fragmented. Some don’t have facial features at all.
And yet, when you stand before them, you feel the person. You sense their presence, their struggle, their joy. It’s as if the artist has distilled their essence into colour, shape, and movement.
This is especially true in portraiture centred around underrepresented voices—whether it’s Dalit lives, indigenous identities, or queer experiences. The visual language shifts, but the impact doesn’t lessen. It often deepens.
These aren’t portraits you simply admire. They’re portraits you carry with you.
From Galleries to Living Rooms: Where Portraiture Belongs Today
People used to think of portraiture as something formal, meant for palaces, galleries, or maybe a rich uncle’s study.
That’s changed.
Now, portraiture feels at home everywhere. In minimalist apartments, it becomes the focal point. In cosy homes, it adds warmth and character. In corporate spaces, it says: “We care about people.”
And here’s the kicker—buyers today aren’t just choosing art that matches their furniture. They’re picking pieces that reflect their values. Their story. Their roots.
At Mojarto, many people are drawn to portraiture because it feels personal. Whether it’s a modern take on a family member or a striking face that reminds them of someone they lost, or someone they hope to become, portraits spark connection in a way few other forms do.
Why More Collectors Are Investing in Portraiture
The surge in interest isn’t just emotional—it’s also smart.
Here’s why more art buyers are leaning into portraiture:
- It’s versatile. A portrait can be bold or understated, literal or abstract. It fits into any kind of space.
- It’s meaningful. You’re not just buying an image. You’re buying into a story.
- It holds value. Many artists making waves in portraiture today are on the cusp of significant recognition. Getting in early can be both satisfying and financially rewarding.
And maybe most importantly, it reminds us of our shared humanity.
In a world full of scrolling, swiping, and filtering, a thoughtfully made portrait invites us to pause, reflect, and see.
Mojarto’s Take: Curating Portraiture That Matters
At Mojarto, we see our role as more than just an art marketplace. We’re curators, storytellers, and connectors. Portraiture has become one of our most exciting focus areas in recent years.
Whether it’s a limited-edition print by a rising star or a bold digital portrait pushing the boundaries of form, we aim to offer our collectors art that matters—pieces that resonate, provoke thought, and leave an impression.
Our collections include:
- Expressive self-portraits
- Modern takes on classical portraiture
- Digital artworks
- Pieces that spotlight marginalised identities and fresh narratives
Portraiture might be your next great acquisition if you’re looking for something personal, powerful, and future-facing.
Final Thought: The Face Never Left—We Just Learned to Look Closer
Portraiture has always been around. What’s changed is how we approach it.
Today, it’s less about capturing a likeness and more about capturing a life. It’s about emotion over aesthetics—truth over perfection.
And in that shift, Indian portraiture has found new energy—raw, electric, and deeply human.
So if you’re looking to collect art that matters, that lingers, that makes people stop and stare, portraiture is a beautiful place to begin.
Browse Mojarto’s latest portraiture collections. You might just find a piece that doesn’t just speak to you, but says something about you.