Riya Panwar is a visual artist and communicator based in London, specializing in alternative photography. Her work explores the chemistry of photographic materials with a focus on imperfection, aiming to reduce the use of toxic methods while innovating new approaches to visual storytelling and communication.

Riya holds an MA in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art, where her research underscores the impact of photographic techniques in storytelling. She investigates the fusion of visuals and words, crafting narratives that combine graphics, text, and imagery. Her work is distinguished by its experimentation, a celebration of imperfection, and a commitment to continuous creation. For Riya, making is a form of research, one that offers deep insights beyond traditional knowledge.

She completed her Bachelor's in Fashion Communication from the Symbiosis Institute of Design in Pune, graduating during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, she worked as a communication manager and creative strategist in Mumbai and Pune, which honed her leadership abilities and deepened her understanding of communication across diverse fields.

As both artist and designer, Riya harmonizes design's structured approach with art's intuitive freedom. Her practice emphasizes an evolving understanding of visual language through experimentation, moving beyond traditional photographic conventions. She believes that ongoing creation leads to discovery and deeper insights.

Riya is dedicated to sustainable practices that make art and design more accessible and less intimidating. Her work has been featured in Vogue India and Homegrown, and internationally showcased at Tokyo’s Shibuya MODI building, the Women Alternative Photography Community exhibition, and the Symbiosis II group exhibition by the London Alternative Photography Collective at Four Corners.

Riya is available for talks, lectures, mentoring, tutoring, and workshops.