Radha was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and her work is deeply informed by the cultural landscape of her birthplace. Influenced by the rich pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses and the vivid, multigenerational stories that animate them, her practice reflects a worldview where the sacred and the everyday coexist. As varied and layered as the spices native to the land, these narratives shape the color, rhythm, and symbolism within her work.
Rooted in a spiritual philosophy that honors the interconnectedness of all life, Radha draws inspiration from the changing seasons and natural landscapes, translating them into vibrant abstract forms and dynamic compositions. She views art as a catalyst for healing and transformation. Through printmaking, performance, and culinary storytelling, she creates immersive experiences that foster connection, empathy, and dialogue—bridging cultures while inviting audiences into conversations about harmony, diversity, and shared human experience.
Artist Statement
Radha Lakshmi is a Cincinnati-based mandala artist whose work is rooted in the sacred traditions of South India. Drawing from the ritual practice of kolam, she creates intricate, vibrant mandalas that explore themes of femininity, resilience, healing, and spiritual awakening. For Lakshmi, the mandala is not decorative—it is a democratic and sacred form that symbolizes interconnection, dignity, and belonging.
Her practice bridges art, activism, and community healing. Through printmaking, ephemeral materials, and participatory installations, she collaborates with communities impacted by displacement, illness, and social inequity. As an immigrant, elder, and cancer survivor, Lakshmi brings lived experience into her work, transforming personal and collective grief into spaces of reflection and empowerment.
Her mandalas function as portals—inviting viewers to slow down, gather, and reconnect with the divine feminine and with one another. Through circular form and shared making, Lakshmi creates art as an act of care, resistance, and radical belonging.
1951 Born in Chennai India
1987 Immigrated to US, mother of two lovely children
1998 Graduated Cincinnati Art Academy
2000 MFA Graduate University of Wisconsin
2004 PhD level studies at Darwin University: Sacred rituals of Southern India & Aboriginal Australians
2007 Instructor at Shirsti School of Art & Design, Bangalore India
2009 Working Artist Visual Work in US
2016 Cooking as Performance art & Story telling
2017 Performance Artist story telling at the table at scale
2019 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Friday Orange ephemeral Art event
2023 Cincinnati Artworks wall mural collaboration
Interview
Radartist.com is the blog. The identity of the blog is tied to Radha the person. Variations below have been used.
Utsavastu.com is the eCommerce site for Radartist. Utsavastu is interpreted as the Celebration of Sacred Space. It is a key concept of the Radartist point of view. The Utsavastu identity is a traditional identity business logo. Variations below have been used. Utsavastu specializes in selling fine Art and ticketed performance Art events created for Radha.
Headshot images provided in this press kit are approved for editorial use in connection with coverage of Radha’s work, exhibitions, and related programming. Images may not be altered beyond standard cropping or color correction and must include proper credit as specified.
email contact: radartist@utsvastu.com
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Curated Visual Artwork Link 5 photos
Curated Community Artwork Link 5 photos
Performance Artwork Link 5 Photos
https://radartist.com Commentary and narrative of experiences and works of art.
https://radartist.art Photographic catalog of activities and art.
https://utsavastu.com eCommerce site for selling art and ticketed events.
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