About The Artist

Anisha Kanakia

“Art has always been my way of expressing the unseen, the felt, and the imagined. Through each brushstroke,
I explore the beauty of emotions, memories and human experiences.”
— Anisha Kanakia

Dual Practice: Senior Designer & Full-Time Artist

Over two decades of full-time experience as a Senior Graphic, Product, and Package Designer specializing in corporate visual communication, while simultaneously maintaining a dedicated practice as a professional, full-time contemporary artist and muralist.

Advanced Multi-Disciplinary Education

Holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Cincinnati's UC DAAP, built upon a foundational background in textile design and printing from Sophia Polytechnic in Mumbai, India.

Biography & Artistic Practice

International Contemporary Artist & Muralist

Anisha Kanakia is an internationally exhibiting contemporary mixed-media artist and muralist based in Ohio, USA. Her multidisciplinary practice bridges Eastern and Western influences, shaped by her formative years in Mumbai, India, and her professional career in the United States. Bringing a distinctive perspective informed by her background in visual storytelling, graphic packaging, and textile design, her work explores the deep intersection of nature, materiality, memory, and environmental consciousness.

Deeply inspired by the ocean, marine ecosystems, and the rhythms of nature, Anisha explores the relationship between beauty and environmental vulnerability. Her creative process brings together acrylic painting, large-scale site-specific murals, fluid watercolor-inspired effects, and experimental materials. Through layered, highly tactile compositions and unexpected material contrasts, she creates organic movements that invite viewers to look beyond surface beauty and reflect on the fragile, deeper connections between humanity and the natural world beneath the surface.

Fine ArtsExhibitionsGraphic DesignPhotographyArts EducationEvent ArtPublication

20+ Years
of Graphic Design

Full-Time Work Experience

Fine Arts
Exhibitions

Solo & Group Shows

Party & Event
Entertainment

Vending Shows

Curriculum Vitae

Exhibitions, Honors & Experience

Solo Exhibitions

Abyss & Bloom: Between Wonder and Warning, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India (January 4–10, 2027) Upcoming
Manthan: Let the Churn Begin Within You, Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai, India (2025)
Solo Exhibition, Reading Community Arts Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (2024)
Solo Exhibition, Awakenings Coffee & Wine, Cincinnati, Ohio (2023)
The Alchemy of Color, Pop-Revolution Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio (2022)
Mukti, Reed Hardwood Gallery, DAAP, University of Cincinnati (2022)
Collective Self, Westheimer Gallery, Sharonville Cultural Arts Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (2022)
Eclectic Art Collection, Bloodline Merchants, Cincinnati, Ohio (2021)
Prem Bai, Tabula Rasa Art Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio (2019)

Education & Professional Development

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP), University of Cincinnati, Ohio, 2018–2022
Associate Degree in Textile Design & Printing | Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai, India, 1990–1994
Diploma in Graphic Design & Visual Communication | Piedmont College, Atlanta, Georgia, 1997–1998
Foundation Course in Art | Indian Art Institute, Mumbai, India, 1990
Certification in Trauma-Informed Practice for Teaching Artists | Bartol TIP Alumni Community, Barton Foundation, 2024
Journey Artist Teacher Training in Classroom Management and Arts | Cincinnati Arts Association, 2025
Greater Cincinnati Alliance of Arts Educators Training | Cincinnati Arts Association, 2025

Awards & Recognition

Arts Judge, The Overture Awards (Semi-Final Teenagers Competition), Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA), Aronoff Center (2024, 2025, 2026)
Conceptual Artist of the Year Award, Art Comes Alive, Art Design Consultants (ADC), Cincinnati, Ohio (2024)
Most Radiant Prize, Under One Roof Luminosity Sukkah Art Exhibit, Mayerson JCC, Cincinnati, Ohio (2025)
Best Use of Theme Award, Reading Community Arts Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (2024)
Honorable Mention, The In Art Gallery, Juried Online Exhibition (2021)
Finalist, Art Comes Alive, ADC, Cincinnati, Ohio (2021)
Jean Tatgenhorst Conrad Travel Fellowship, DAAP, University of Cincinnati (2021)
Dean’s List, DAAP, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (2020–2022)
University of Cincinnati Prestige Award in Design Excellence and Leadership, Cincinnati, Ohio (2020–2022)

Selected Group Exhibitions

Abstraction Remix, Elevar Gallery, Ohio (2026)
Creative Roots, Oxford Community Arts Center, Oxford, Ohio (2026)
Artist Trading Cards of Cincinnati, Delhi Event Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (2026)
Essex Studio Art Walk, Cincinnati, Ohio (2026)
Affordable Art One Day Show, Suan Artland Gallery, Mumbai, India (2026)
Masterpieces Revisited, Suan Artland Gallery, Mumbai, India (2026)
Women’s Art Exhibition, Nehru Art Centre Gallery, Mumbai, India (2026)
Connected (Juried), Fitton Center for Creative Arts, Hamilton, Ohio (2026)
Harmonies of the Holidays, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio (2024)
Ananta National International Art Exhibition, Bhavnagar, India (2024)
Gone Wild (Juried), Reading Community Arts Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (2024)
The Art North Show, Westheimer Gallery, Sharonville Cultural Arts Center, Cincinnati, Ohio (2023)
Find Your Freedom (DAAP Thesis), University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (2022)
The In Art Gallery (Juried Online) (2021)
Art in the Time of Corona (SOS Art Online) (2020)
Wild Animal and Nature, Inspirado, Madison Art Gallery, Covington, Kentucky (2016)

Art Education, Leadership & Community Engagement

Alongside her studio practice, Anisha is committed to community leadership and making art accessible through board service, educational programs, and professional mentorship.

Board Member | The Ghostlight Stage Company (2024–2025)
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS)| Art Instruction & Substituting
Cincinnati Art Association| Journey Artist & Art Instruction
Kennedy Heights Arts Center| Art Instruction & Digital Media
DAAP Summer Art Camp | University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati| Staff & Faculty Watercolor Workshops
Best Point Behavioral Health | Therapeutic Art Workshops
Inreturn | Neurological Rehabilitation Art Workshops
Middletown Arts Center & Skool Aid | Community Art Workshops
John P. Parker School & WavePool Art Gallery| Cultural & Block Printing Workshops
Private Practice | In-Person and Online Art Lessons

Client Love & Words

Testimonials

Endorsements from lifelong Professional and Personal connections, spanning Anisha’s journey in fine art and education.

Ankit Kanakia

Cousin — known her all my life

I’ve watched Anisha’s artistic journey over the years - through building a career, raising a family, and all the changes life brings, art has remained a constant thread in her life and a deeply personal form of expression. Over three decades, she has continually explored and evolved—working across design studios, galleries, graphic teams, and different artistic forms, each experience adding another dimension to her repertoire. What I admire most is that her journey has never been static; she has kept learning, experimenting, and finding new ways to express herself. Seeing that passion endure and grow has been truly special.

Global Head, Data & Analytics Operations

Kajal Kanakia

First Cousin

Anisha is truly a natural-born artist, and it has been an absolute joy watching her creative journey unfold since childhood. What has always stood out to me is her incredible dedication, patience, and the profound hard work she pours into every single piece. I especially love the painting she made of Bapuji (our grandfather)—it is a beautiful piece that I can look at endlessly, instantly connecting me to so many cherished memories. Her art has a rare power to bring emotions and history alive. I wholeheartedly recommend her work and wish her endless years of creating, growing, and inspiring.

International Wellness Coach | Art of Living

Sharon Pimento Dev

Ever since I’ve known Anisha, I’ve been in awe of her talent and drive. Even as a school kid, Anisha believed in herself. She embraced creativity right from her early years and today she still pushes boundaries, exploring new ways to share her passion and talent with everyone. Always moving forward with her thoughts and actions, Anisha has always been a huge inspiration. Anisha’s work mostly focuses on natural elements and is drawn from her own experiences. Her newer work is mostly based on climate change and environmental concerns. She finds beauty in almost every element and represents her ideas with beautiful visuals.

Stylist and Illustrator