Jaswant Pakki is a cybersecurity engineer and abstract artist based in Washington, D.C. His artistic journey began in 2022 during a company retreat, where he first picked up a palette knife, and hasn’t looked back since. Initially, his work was completely experimental, incorporating unconventional materials such as chai and turmeric into acrylic paint to create textured, sensory experiences. These early explorations reflect his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Today, Jaswant’s work focuses on the creation of abstract worlds in oil pastel and ink. These vibrant compositions blend bright colors, playful shapes, and tiny figures to evoke narratives about human experiences, particularly around themes of connection and struggle. By juxtaposing lively, joyful elements with introspective feelings, he creates visual tension that draws viewers in, inviting them to engage on multiple levels.

Jaswant draws inspiration from both local artists in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, creating a distinctive style rooted in his surroundings. His influences also include Jeff Koons, Vasily Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock—artists whose use of color, improvisation, and intentional lines inform his own approach to abstract expression. As a child, Jaswant was deeply influenced by Gulliver’s Travels and became obsessed with the idea of Lilliputians, which sparked his fascination with miniature figures that now appear throughout his work.

As an artist in residence at Palette 22 DC and Binge Bar, Jaswant live paints weekly, offering a dynamic window into his creative process. His work has been exhibited and sold at venues such as Rhizome DC, Art All Night, ShopMadeInDC, and various markets around Washington, D.C. His earlier works are on display at Binge Bar, while his more recent abstract worlds are displayed at Palette 22. Lastly, Jaswant hangs mini abstract worlds around the city as free, temporary art for strangers to enjoy.

Outside of painting, Jaswant also explores self-expression through fashion and photography, constantly experimenting with new ways to communicate his vision. As a self-taught artist, he believes deeply in the power of experimentation. He continually challenges himself with new materials and methods, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace creative freedom.