The Art of Global Wanderlust: Rina Akowala’s 'Ode to Color' Invites Us to See the World Differently
There’s something profoundly moving about art that transcends borders—not just physical ones, but cultural, spiritual, and emotional ones too. Personally, I think that’s exactly what makes Rina Akowala’s upcoming exhibition, Ode to Color, so compelling. Set to open at the Evanston Art Center on June 28, this isn’t just another art show; it’s a journey through the eyes of an artist who has made the world her canvas.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Akowala’s ability to distill her global travels into abstract landscapes that feel both universal and deeply personal. Born in India and based in Chicago, she brings a unique lens to her work, blending the vibrancy of her heritage with the diversity of her experiences. From the farmlands of Iowa to the waterfalls of South America, her pieces aren’t just depictions of places—they’re meditations on light, land, and water.
One thing that immediately stands out is her recent incorporation of spiritual iconography, specifically Lord Ganesha, into her landscapes. This isn’t just a nod to her Indian roots; it’s a deliberate fusion of the sacred and the natural. Ganesha, the Hindu God of wisdom and new beginnings, appears in ethereal forms, often intertwined with the scenery. What this really suggests is a deeper connection between the physical world and the spiritual one—a reminder that every landscape, no matter how mundane, holds the potential for transformation.
If you take a step back and think about it, this blending of the divine and the earthly is a metaphor for how we experience the world. We often separate the spiritual from the everyday, but Akowala’s work challenges us to see them as inseparable. What many people don’t realize is that abstract art, at its best, isn’t just about shapes and colors—it’s about evoking a feeling, a memory, or even a question.
From my perspective, the exhibition’s title, Ode to Color, is more than just a celebration of vibrancy; it’s a testament to the power of color to convey emotion and tell stories. Akowala’s use of oils, inks, and mixed media isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. Each stroke, each layer, feels like a chapter in her personal narrative.
This raises a deeper question: How does an artist’s identity shape their work? Akowala’s Indian heritage is undeniable in her pieces, but it’s not the only influence. Her time in Chicago, her travels across Europe and South America—all of these experiences coalesce into something entirely her own. In a world that often tries to box artists into categories, Akowala defies labels, and that’s what makes her work so refreshing.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the exhibition’s funding. Partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council and the EAC’s general membership, Ode to Color is a testament to the power of community in fostering art. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just for galleries or elites—it’s for everyone. The Evanston Art Center’s mission to make art accessible aligns perfectly with Akowala’s own ethos of bridging cultures and experiences.
As we look to the future, I can’t help but wonder how exhibitions like this will shape the art world. In an era dominated by digital media, there’s something profoundly human about standing in front of a canvas, feeling the texture of the paint, and losing yourself in the colors. Ode to Color isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to see the world through someone else’s eyes—and perhaps, to see ourselves a little differently too.
In my opinion, this is the kind of art that stays with you long after you’ve left the gallery. It’s not just about what’s on the walls; it’s about the conversations it sparks, the questions it raises, and the connections it fosters. So, if you’re in Evanston on June 28, do yourself a favor: register for the opening reception, take a moment to immerse yourself in Akowala’s world, and let the colors speak to you. You might just find that they have a lot to say.
