Breakfree

Tanuja Munakala - Artist Statement As a fine Artist and Conceptualist, my work emerges from personal experiences and everyday encounters. It reflects my observations of human behaviour and the complex realities of women’s lives within society. Through my art, I challenge social norms and aim to spark meaningful conversations that extend beyond visual allure. I am also intrigued by the ways in which technology has permeated human life, and how its rapid advancement is influencing behaviour, relationships, and the very notion of human identity. These concerns often find expression in my work. My multidisciplinary academic background—particularly my Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences—shapes my visual language. I incorporate scientific imagery, symbolic forms, and elements of nature to create layered, thought-provoking narratives. Acrylics are my primary medium, though I also work with oils, graphite, colour pencils and watercolours on canvas, paper, and fabric. Tanuja Munakala – Biography Tanuja Munakala is a multidisciplinary artist with a diverse academic and professional background. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Painting & Visual Communication from JNAFAU, Hyderabad, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Delhi University. She has also completed postgraduate diplomas in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Advanced Computer Applications in New Delhi. Tanuja began her professional journey as a software developer in New Delhi and later transitioned into a Human Resources role at a startup in Hyderabad. However, her enduring passion for art—nurtured since childhood—led her to formally pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the age of 40. She graduated with distinction in 2015, marking a transformative shift in her career. With over a decade of professional artistic practice, Tanuja’s work has been showcased in several national and international exhibitions and has received notable recognition. Her accolades include international recognition from Women in the Arts Inc., Florida, USA; an award from the Hyderabad Art Society; selection by AIFACS, New Delhi; and honors at international talent awards. A couple of her works are also on permanent display on the Google Arts and Culture platform. She has also actively participated in art camps and art fairs. In addition to her artistic practice, Tanuja is a dedicated educator who mentors both children and adults in drawing and painting, while fostering an appreciation for the rich history of art. She has also volunteered her time teaching art to specially-abled children at Ashray Akruti, a school for the hearing impaired.