I founded Mysticeti in 2020 as an online publishing platform for aspiring writers. Initially launched for sharing short stories, it has grown into a space where independent artists also showcase their work.
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Our contributors range from renowned indie artists to emerging voices, from seasoned writers to those just beginning their journey. Over time, Mysticeti has also expanded into arts and storytelling initiatives for children—more about which you can explore through Kauri and my work in education.
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For me, Mysticeti is where my love for art, stories, and community comes to life. It has connected me with artists and writers from diverse backgrounds while offering contributors and readers a space for fresh, undiscovered stories and accessible editing support.
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Looking ahead, I hope to grow this community further—welcoming more voices, stories, and readers from across regions and backgrounds.
FEATURED PROJECTS
1
Online Journal
Role: Conceptualisation, Editing, Curating
Objective: A curated and growing collection of short stories and artist features by aspiring and independent writers, through accessible editing and curation support.
Mysticeti's online journal is a growing collection of over forty short stories and independent artist features. It does not follow fixed themes or a strict publishing schedule, allowing for a diverse range of artistic expressions. Embracing slow publishing, it selects and publishes short stories after editing and curation. The editing process is collaborative, with writers and artists involved.
Mysticeti fosters community by collaborating with artists and writers of all ages and backgrounds. Since 2020, it has welcomed contributing writers, featured artists, and engaged in various initiatives. Mysticeti & Friends extends this network through a growing directory that showcases these creators.
This evolving directory is not a one-time project—it grows through ongoing collaborations and connections.
2
Artist Development Program
Role: Conceptualisation, Interviewing, Writing, Curating
Objective: Design and implement a program for emerging art practitioners from South Asia, specifically those with limited English-speaking and presentation skills, to support them with resources for showcasing their work.
Artist Resource & Training is an artist development program, in collaboration with Terrain.art, aimed at supporting emerging artists from South Asia. Open to graduating or recently graduated art practitioners, the programme received over 50 applications. From these, four selected artists were featured, with their work highlighted in Mysticeti's Journal through in-depth features written in collaboration with the artists.
The program is designed to equip artists with the necessary tools to present their work effectively and engage with broader trends in the art world. It offers portfolio reviews with feedback from a panel of art world experts, webinars hosted by terrain.art curators covering topics such as analysing the art market, evaluating artworks, applying for grants and residencies, and other key professional development skills. Shortlisted applicants also receive opportunities for feature placements.
Expressions is a space for readers who wish to write but have not yet found the right environment, support, or confidence to do so. It is a relatively open platform compared to the Journal, inviting readers to engage with visual and sonic prompts, write, and share words inspired by them. The current prompt features a gallery showcasing artworks by seven artists shortlisted for the Art, Resource & Training Program.
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Mysticeti's Pod
Role: Community Engagement, Design, Facilitation
Objective: Creating a space for readers in different places to meet, read and write together.
Mysticeti's Pod is an online/offline group that gathers periodically, offering a space for readers, writers, and artists to connect and share their experiences. Initially active during the lockdown with weekly meetings, the Pod provided a supportive environment for participants to express their everyday challenges and joys through writing, music, and sketching.
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Now, the Pod meets whenever we spotlight an artist or a book. For example, we've hosted a preview of an independent artist's album, and a zine was created from the writings produced during our sessions. In another session, a sketch artist interpreted thoughts shared by participants. We've also held meetings in locations like Lodhi Garden in Delhi and the ghats of Varanasi, where participants were inspired by their surroundings.
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4
Maple
Role: Conceptualisation, Content
Objective: Design home decor products that evoke memories.
I conceptualised Maple in collaboration with the home decor and art studio, Armatuer. Each candle in this collection is paired with a story card, designed to match the candle's fragrance and evoke a sense of calmness. I wrote the stories and supported the design of the products.
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Maple has garnered attention for its design-forward approach, being featured by Vogue, and for its immersive concept by The Hindu. This project reflects my interest in blending art, storytelling, and everyday objects into a calming experience.
COLLBORATE
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Feature your art
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Contribute a short story
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Join the Pod
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Co-Host the Pod
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Storytelling for your products/initiatives