Artist Arieno Kera from Nagaland Makes Dreamy Renditions of People Around Her – Through Her Signature Acrylic Portraits

Arieno Kera is a Fine Art student from Nagaland. A childhood friend, I remember her as this calm individual who had the most natural flair for painting and art – for as long as I can remember. Growing up together, I am so excited to see where her talent is going to take her. Currently, she is pursuing fine arts as a student and she has already captured the hearts of many – with her signature dreamy portraits in acrylic.

Worthy to note that she always had a keen interest in stories and people, and that comes out beautifully through each stroke in all her paintings. In her own words, her work is inspired by “the Realist and Impressionistic art periods. They made me see the beauty in truth, in the ordinary, and in life.” I chat with her to give you guys a glimpse into her portfolio of work.

Fine Art student Arieno Kera | Photo by Ghanajit Wahengbam

Photo: Arieno Kera | Photo by Ghanajit Wahengbam

Deno: Hi Arieno, such a fan of your portraits! Please introduce yourself.

Arieno: My name is Arieno Kera. I’m a 21-year-old student from Nagaland currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Amity University, Noida.

Deno: How would your friends describe you?

Arieno: They would normally say that I’m determined and that I know myself pretty well. I think so too 🙂

Deno: Tell me more about your style of art.

Arieno: I would say that my works lean towards portraiture most of the time. The reason being filled with a keenness for people and the stories they carry with them. And as a child, I’ve always loved listening to stories time and again. Moreover, everything about a person is just unique and there is so much to unravel.

Acrylic in canvas | Portrait of her sister by Arieno Kera

Acrylic in canvas | Portrait of her sister by Arieno Kera

Color pencil on cartridge sheet | Art by Arieno Kera

Color pencil on cartridge sheet | Art by Arieno Kera

Deno: When did you first start painting?

Arieno: I wish I had gotten my hands on paintbrushes earlier but that only happened when I got to college. Well, but I do have memories of scribbling drawings on every blank page of my mum’s books when I was very little.

Deno: What kind of art inspires you?

Arieno: I love artworks from the Realist and Impressionistic art periods. They made me see the beauty in truth, in the ordinary, and in life.

Acrylic in canvas | by Arieno Kera

Acrylic in canvas | Portrait of her dad by Arieno Kera

Acrylic in canvas | Portrait of her dad by Arieno Kera

Deno: Tell us about your journey to art school and how has the journey been so far.

Arieno: I always think that I’m very fortunate to get into an art school. In fact, I feel that it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I admit that initially there was skepticism about my decision to study fine arts which did make me doubt a bit in the beginning, and almost gave in. But thanks to those people, who encouraged me to stand firm on my decision – and pursue my passion (forever grateful to them).

With support from people around me, I finally enrolled myself in the Amity School of Fine Arts, at the very last minute. Never looked back, and every day I am grateful. This journey has given me immense experience and fresh perspectives on life, which otherwise, I doubt would’ve come to me – at least at this age.

This path has also opened up a new world where I feel courageous to explore and try out new things, push boundaries in all aspects of my life, and crystallizing my life’s purpose that God would want me to pursue.

Arieno Kera

Deno: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received and from whom?

Arieno: So far the best advice I’ve received would be from the Austrian multimedia artist and curator, Werner Dornik, who once during a workshop said that it’s only when you stop focusing on yourself but more on others that you begin to see the bigger picture and find happiness.

Arieno engaging with her subjects over a conversation in the park | Photo @kera_rieno

Deno: What are your favorite memories of childhood?

Arieno: Definitely, It’ll have to go back to the times where me, my sister, and our friends would lie or rollover on green grass and bask in the sun even taking a nap or two.

Arieno and her friends enjoying the scenic view of Khezhakenoma Village, Nagaland | Photo @kera_rieno

Deno: Give us a peek into your current favorites..

Arieno: Besides painting, I do love to indulge myself in other art forms. When it comes to books, I particularly adore works by Haruki Murakami and Easterine Kire. If I turn to music, compositions by Claude Debussy and songs by the Beatles would top the list. And just so you know I’m also a big fan of Japanese anime.