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Mandakini Rao
  • Canvas
  • Wall Art
  • Workshops
  • About
  • Journal
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy

Chai Kahaani

Back in 2018, among the many random conversations with a friend that led to the artwork for one of their first chai ventures in Sainikpuri, Hyderabad.

Studio A in Chennai

n 2018, a dear friend Amar Ramesh approached me for an artwork to adorn his brand-new studio and office space. With no specific requests, he placed complete trust in my creative vision—a rare and cherished opportunity for any artist.

With just one day to decide on the concept before starting, I asked myself a simple question: What comes to mind when I think of his work? Instantly, vivid images of his past projects surfaced—particularly a series he had created on Indian dance forms. This sparked a connection to a theme I had explored in my earlier works: sculpture.

Merging these two inspirations, I brought the artwork to life—an expressive fusion of movement and form, celebrating both tradition and artistry.

Concu Begumpet 2019

Creating art for a beloved bakery and café in the heart of the city was a truly special experience. The vision was simple yet elegant, with lush ferns weaving through the design—setting the tone for a new wave of wall art in cafés across the city. At the time, ferns were just beginning to emerge as a trend in interior art. The co-owner of this particular cafe was all beaming with pride as she was setting foot into a field that was close to her heart. Wishing her many such milestones in her career.

Kalpavriksha and a Pooja Room

As I began my journey of painting interiors, every project brought its own challenges and lessons. This one, in particular, gave me a deeper understanding of how the city views artists and their work. Looking back now, I’m proud to have stayed true to my vision. My clients, who were initially unsure, have since become admirers, finding comfort and joy in the artwork every time they see it.

Jewellery store Wall painting

Hyderabad has no shortage of jewellery stores or demand for fine jewellery. But there’s an even greater demand for exclusive designs known only to the locals—pieces you won’t find in retail stores. That’s where family jewellers come in, offering unique craftsmanship passed down through generations.

For one such jeweller, I created an illusionary wall painting that, under the right lighting, seamlessly blends into the space, making the artwork feel like a natural extension of the store itself.

Pichwai in Pooja Room

After the rise of fern-themed wall paintings, Pichwai art gained sudden popularity across the city and India. While I had been creating Pichwai paintings long before this trend emerged, this project was the first to bring attention to my work in the style. It’s a wonderful reminder that every art form has its moment, and I’m grateful to contribute to its growing appreciation.

Bespoke murals for every room

Every once in a while, I come across clients who have a clear vision for their space—art that is deeply personal, created just for them, not for public display. One such project was a home where I had the privilege of painting multiple wall murals, each one designed to reflect the unique personality and style of the room it adorned.

For the master bedroom, I created a mural of full-bloomed peonies, adding a sense of elegance and tranquility to the space. One of the children’s rooms featured delicate flower stems intertwined with birds, butterflies, and blossoms, bringing a soft, whimsical charm. The second child’s room was entirely different—an equestrian-themed mural, celebrating a deep love for horses with dynamic movement and fine detailing.

Each mural was crafted with careful thought, ensuring that no two rooms felt alike, yet all seamlessly blended into the home’s atmosphere. The experience of working on this project was incredibly fulfilling, as it allowed me to create something truly meaningful for a family who valued art as an intimate part of their everyday lives.

Farm House Art

Three years ago, I worked on a project in what was then the outskirts of the city—an area with unpaved roads, dust-covered streets, and just a couple of small cafés. It was a challenging time in my life, but I was determined to take on every opportunity that came my way, no matter the distance. My schedule was intense. Every day, I would travel an hour and a half, back and forth, to paint at this site in the mornings. By midday, I would head back into the city to work on another project. Looking back, I often wonder how I managed it all, but my passion for art kept me going. This project featured two walls—one indoors and one outdoors—both overlooking a serene lake. The murals were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, using a palette of greens and wood textures to complement the landscape.

Looking back, I would love to return, this time with a clearer mind, to fully appreciate the beauty of this space.

Studio A in Chennai

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Concu Begumpet 2019

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Kalpavriksha and a Pooja Room

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Jewellery store Wall painting

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Pichwai in Pooja Room

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Bespoke murals for every room

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Farm House Art

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