Mumbai: Collective Artists Network has announced its entry into the fine arts category with the signing of contemporary visual artist Nikheel Aphale. Aphale continues to be exclusively represented by Artisera, marking a strategic collaboration that bridges talent, culture, and the evolving art ecosystem.
The move signals a significant expansion for Collective Artists Network, which has built a strong presence across talent management, digital creators, cultural IPs, brand partnerships, and original content. With this development, the company extends its cultural footprint into contemporary art, reinforcing its vision of integrating diverse creative disciplines under one ecosystem.
Nikheel Aphale is part of a new wave of Indian contemporary artists whose work translates writing into visual expression, engaging with themes of spirituality, humanity, and empathy. His artworks are featured in private collections globally, as well as in prominent corporate collections including Goldman Sachs and Google, highlighting growing international recognition of his unique visual language.
Nikheel Aphale said, “India’s cultural depth is infinite and my work is an attempt to reinterpret that legacy for today’s world. Joining Collective Artists Network gives me the infrastructure and vision to take my art to wider audiences while protecting the integrity of my practice. ”
Dhruv Chitgopekar, Co-Founder & Partner at Collective Artists Network, said, “At Collective, we’ve always believed culture doesn’t sit in silos. Cinema, creators, music, youth communities, content and art are all interconnected. Nikheel represents an exciting contemporary voice engaging with India’s rich cultural heritage through Indian script, Devanagari while speaking to a global audience. We see him as part of a new generation shaping the future of contemporary Indian art.”
Varun Backliwal, Founder of Artisera, added: “Nikheel represents a new generation of artists who are engaging with Indian heritage in a contemporary and highly personal way. It’s encouraging to see organisations like Collective Artists Network recognising the long-term cultural and global potential of contemporary Indian art, and building platforms that allow artists to reach wider audiences while sustaining serious artistic practice.”
As India’s art market continues to gain global prominence, the emergence of artists like Nikheel Aphale reflects a broader cultural shift, with a new generation reinterpreting mythology, language, and identity through contemporary visual practices. With this signing, Collective Artists Network underlines its intent to play an active role in shaping the future of India’s cultural and creative landscape
