LONDON
Aditi Anand, a talented 25-year-old artist from Karnal, Haryana, has made waves in the art world by winning the Emerging Illustrator category at the esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum’s Illustration Awards in London on Thursday. A graduate from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, Anand was honored for her artwork titled ‘Marigolds.’
The award ceremony, held recently, celebrated Anand’s creation, which will be displayed at the renowned V&A Design Museum until September 2025. Her piece was selected from over 2,000 entries, earning her a prize of £3,000. Set in India, ‘Marigolds’ addresses the pressing issues of child labor and the loss of childhood.
Drawing inspiration from India’s vibrant flower markets, the illustrations narrate the poignant story of a mother teaching her child to create marigold garlands for sale. The judges praised Anand’s effective use of color, capturing the beauty of the flowers while highlighting the harsh realities faced by flower sellers, including the dreary conditions of child labor.
‘I am extremely thrilled to have won the V&A Illustration Award for ‘Marigolds’ and I am deeply honored that the V&A has shown such respect for this theme by providing it with a platform and displaying it in the museum,’ said Anand, who traveled from India to receive her award.
Originally studying for a business degree, Anand discovered her passion for illustration while contributing to her college magazine. She reflected, ‘Switching fields has been the best decision I’ve ever made!’
