Spandana Akkina

Spandana Akkina (born 8 August 1978) is an Indian multidisciplinary artist, writer, counsellor, environmental activist, and cultural ambassador based in Pune, Maharashtra. She is known for her work in Tanjore painting, a traditional South Indian art form, along with charcoal, graphite, and mixed media techniques. Her artistic practice focuses on preserving Indian cultural heritage while integrating contemporary themes related to society, sustainability, and emotional well-being.

Spandana Akkina was born on 8 August 1978 in Hyderabad, India. She is currently based in Pune, Maharashtra, where she continues her work as an artist and social contributor. Over the years, she has developed a strong connection with traditional Indian art forms, particularly Tanjore painting, which is known for its intricate detailing, gold foil work, and devotional themes.

Akkina is recognised for her efforts in blending traditional Tanjore art with contemporary expression. While maintaining the classical techniques and richness of the art form, she often explores modern themes that reflect social realities, cultural shifts, and emotional narratives. Through this approach, she aims to make traditional art forms more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Her artworks have been showcased in several exhibitions and art forums across India and internationally. She has participated in events such as the Mumbai Art Fair and the FINEXT International Exhibition of Mini Art Works in Bhopal and has been featured in multiple international women’s art exhibitions across India. Her work also received international recognition when she was listed among the Top 40 Artists Across the Globe (Germany, 2021) for the theme “Microplastics + Humans + Nature.”

Apart from her artistic career, Spandana Akkina is actively involved in counselling and community engagement. She conducts workshops and creative sessions for children and parents, using art as a tool for emotional expression, communication, and healing. Her initiatives aim to strengthen parent-child relationships and encourage individuals to explore creativity as a means of self-expression and confidence building.

She has also been involved in judging and facilitating art competitions and community programs, especially in schools and social initiatives focused on underprivileged communities. Through these activities, she promotes emotional resilience, creativity, and cultural awareness.

Sustainability plays a significant role in Akkina’s work. She incorporates environmentally conscious practices in her art by reusing and repurposing materials and by creating artworks that highlight the relationship between humans and nature. Her artistic themes often address environmental awareness, cultural preservation, and mindful living.

She is also known for supporting women entrepreneurs through social platforms and writing articles on cultural, social, and environmental topics. Her writings have been published in various magazines and art journals.

Spandana Akkina has received numerous national and international recognitions for her artistic contributions, including:

1. Kala Ratan Award – Agneepath Foundation (2019)
2. Kala Rattan Award – Bengal Art Forum (2020)
3. Literoma Achiever Award for Art & Music (2020)
4. Maharashtra Kala Sammaan Award (2021)
5. Lalit Mohan Das Memorial Award (2021)
6. Rabindranath Tagore Gold Award (2021)
7. International Golden Award – Red Ruby International Art Community (2020)
8. Picasso Award (2021)
9. Kala Sadhu Award (2022)
10. Third Prize – ISKCON Singapore Art Competition (2022)
11. Recognised among Top 40 Artists Across the Globe (Germany, 2021)

Akkina is also a published writer whose articles have appeared in magazines and portals including Cultural Reverence, Cultural Flash Art Magazine, Literoma, Art of Colours, and Women’s Times. Her biography was featured in Namaste India Magazine (August 2021). She has also been invited as a speaker at national webinars discussing topics related to culture, heritage, and art.