Aaradhya Sunder, a 12-year-old artist with Indian roots living in Singapore, has won the 7th Arts Olympiad in Washington, D.C., showcasing her unique artistic vision.
Aaradhya Sunder, a talented 12-year-old artist based in Singapore and of Indian descent, has been honored as a winner of the 7th Arts Olympiad by the International Child Art Foundation. During a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., Sunder was awarded a Certificate of Exceptional Artistic Accomplishment for her contributions to the 7th World Children’s Festival at the National Mall. The certificate was signed by Dr. Ashfaq M. Ishaq, the Founder and Chairman of the International Child Art Foundation.
At the festival, Sunder presented her artwork titled “The Artist-Athlete,” an acrylic on canvas piece that emphasizes the idea that children should not have to choose between creativity and athleticism. The festival coincided with the national celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States, adding significance to the event.
“The Artist-Athlete” features a soft color palette in the upper section of the canvas, divided by a vertical gold line and horizontal bands. A basketball hoop is outlined in thin red, accompanied by figures holding a basketball and a paintbrush. Sunder expressed her intention behind the piece, stating, “I did not want to show art and sport as separate.” This sentiment reflects her own involvement in various sports alongside her artistic pursuits.
During the festival, Dr. Ishaq conducted an Artistic and Developmental Appraisal of Sunder’s painting. He interpreted the basketball in her artwork as a symbol of movement, concentration, perseverance, and practice. In his appraisal, he noted, “What distinguishes Aaradhya is not merely her ability to make art, but her emerging capacity to use art as a means of thought.” He encouraged Sunder to continue exploring anatomy, proportion, and movement across different media and athletic forms.
Following the festival, Sunder was featured in an interview on Good Morning Washington on WJLA/ABC7, where she discussed her creative process and showcased her artwork.
The recognition in Washington is part of a series of global milestones for Sunder. Her works have previously been selected for presentation at Art Capital at the Grand Palais in Paris, through the jury of the Salon des Artistes Français and Galerie Linda Farrell. Alain Bazard, the president of the painting and works on paper section at the Société des Artistes Français, praised her work in writing, highlighting her technical maturity in the self-portrait “The Girl Who Paints Her Soul.” Bazard remarked, “In this work, the young artist takes on a subject usually reserved for established artists, given the difficulties it entails.”
To date, Sunder has created over 200 original works, encompassing painting, drawing, mixed media, and claymation. Her accomplishments include displaying six claymation pieces at the Gallery Children’s Biennale at the National Gallery Singapore, earning laureate honors at an international children’s art exhibition in Beijing, and presenting at three TEDx-linked art exhibitions.
Sunder’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her South Asian heritage. She received her early education at both the German School and American School in Delhi, where she benefited from foundational mentorship under Dipti Karki. After relocating to Singapore, she continued her artistic development through studio instruction at Little Artists Art Studio under Shalini Kapoor, as well as programs affiliated with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and online courses from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for children.
In his recommendation, Dr. Ishaq emphasized that Sunder deserves consideration for curated youth exhibitions, museum education programs, and international mentorship opportunities. He urged curators and cultural institutions to support young artists in cultivating depth, independence, and a sustained artistic voice.
This remarkable achievement by Aaradhya Sunder showcases not only her artistic talent but also her ability to inspire others through her unique perspective on the intersection of art and athletics. As she continues to develop her craft, the art community eagerly anticipates her future contributions.
According to India Currents, Sunder’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of nurturing young talent in the arts.