‘It is my duty to highlight issues through art’

In the culmination of the contest, which was held through public nominations, she will attend a special lunch with President Pranab Mukherjee later this month. A self-taught artist, Swarnalatha has been in the field for close to two decades now.

It is a moment of pride and celebration for me. I am extremely happy to receive the honour from the Government of India. I was informed about it on December 31, 2015, since then my joy has known no bounds. 

As always, my latest works have chosen topical issues. I have done a series on ‘No War’ and ‘No Smoking’, highlighting the harmful effects of both issues. 

Why is it important for an artist to choose contemporary themes? 

When you are dependent on society in day-to-day life, it is your duty to pay back. I have chosen art as a medium to repay society. I feel it is my duty as an artist to reflect what’s happening around us. One of my popular series ‘Nirbhaya’ spoke about the lack of safety for women in this country. I have consciously been picking topics that provoke us to contemplate what’s wrong with us and amid us.