By Vedika Singh

Can you tell us about your early encounters with art and what inspired you to pursue it as a lifelong vocation?

My journey with art began with childhood fascination with vibrant colours and forms of art originating from my hometown Sonepur which has history of unique traditional and mythological spiritual heritage. Baba Hariharnath Temple and Gaj Grah Ghat in Sonepur mark the traditional faith that impact the inner voice of an artist. My parents, grand parents and aunt came from the artist family of Persian Theratre. They  nurtured my creativity, encouraging me to explore various art forms. This foundation sparked a lifelong passion for artistic expression which made my love for art grow stronger. I have the youngest achiever in the Indian Art Community for earning international award and accolade at the young age of 22 years. My artworks are uniquely noted for the space division, placement and dramatic story telling which have been created in time bound frame. As I explored different mediums and techniques, and earned appreciations, awards and numerous accolades I realized that art wasn’t just a hobby but a way to express myself and connect with others. This realization led me to pursue art as a lifelong vocation.

What mediums or themes do you find yourself most drawn to in your own artistic practice?

I’m drawn to visual and print media including installation art, as they allow me to experiment with different textures and narratives. Themes of spiritual story telling, social justice, and environmental sustainability resonate deeply within me. Through my art, I aim to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and inspire awareness to create an impact for a positive frame. My art is a reflection of my consistent dedication, keen interest and deep involvement about the nature and our sustainability within it.

What have been some of your most fulfilling moments or achievements since taking on this leadership role?

As a leader in the art world, I have had the privilege of mentoring emerging artists and witnessing their growth, particularly witnessing my students’ artistic growth and seeing their work resonate with others has been incredibly fulfilling. Many of my students and scholars have attained state level and national level status in their greatly commendable artworks. It’s a reminder of the impact art can have on individuals and communities. And to add to these gratifying achievements is the milestone accomplished in the flagship project of national level painting workshop ‘Viksit Bharat’ organized to portray the vision of developed India 2047 on completing the 100 years of independence. It was really an extraordinary artistic workshop attended by more than 10,000 Artists from all over the nation including the young artists of schools and colleges from different states. The other most fulfilling moment is to see the participation of women artists which paves the path of our vision for women empowerment. My concept as Director General and Chief Curator for promoting young women artist’s work was widely acknowledged in the specially curated exhibition by me titled ‘Nabh Sparsham – Indian Women Printmakers’. The instinct and element of women empowerment was vividly featured through their modern and contemporary artworks. All these dedicated endeavours have earned volumes of acknowledgments and gained national international recognition as the exhibition moved from Delhi to Mumbai for dissemination of significant message of women empowerment which is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and inspire others.

Your academic career at BHU is widely respected. How did your experiences there shape your approach to teaching and research?

My time at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was transformative and instrumental in shaping my artistic vision. I feel pride in relating that I was an all time Gold Medal Awardee throughout my academic career in BHU. The academic rigor and diverse perspectives shaped my approach to teaching and research. The academic environment fostered my creativity, and interactions with esteemed faculty and peers broadened my perspective. I learned to balance theoretical foundations with practical applications, fostering a holistic understanding of art. My experiences at BHU instilled in me a passion for research and innovation. Not only this my dream to hold the respected position of a Professor in BHU was fulfilled when I was appointed in the BHU in the same Department of Fine Arts where I had once been a student. 

As a jury member and committee contributor, how do you approach evaluating art and nurturing young talent?

As a jury member and committee contributor, I approach evaluating art with an open mind and a deep respect for diverse creative visions. I look for authenticity, creativity, and emotional resonance. When nurturing young talent, I emphasize the importance of experimentation, resilience, and staying true to one’s inner artistic voice. I believe in providing constructive feedback, guidance that encourages growth and exploration helping them find their unique voice.

What challenges and opportunities do you see for Indian artists on the global stage today?

Indian artists face challenges like limited funding and global exposure. However, the digital age has opened up new opportunities for artists to showcase their work worldwide. The growing global recognition of Indian art’s rich heritage and diversity is a testament to the talent and innovation emerging from the country. The digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for wider exposure and collaboration. Our Indian art community is increasingly attracting global recognition.

What upcoming projects or exhibitions are you currently excited about?

I am currently positioned as Director General in the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, and mostly occupied with policy and planning the exhibition activities at New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. I plan for development and expansion of NGMA. I look for artists’ empowerment and plan to link my academic experience with museum to create awareness to work for printmaking studio. I further look forward to organize Art Fair at New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other places.  My own artworks have earned good level of appreciation and accolades in my solo shows at Mumbai, Kolkata, Kerala and also at international forum in UK Auction Hall. Further solo shows are in pipeline at Mumbai and in Uttar Pradesh etc.

If you could give one piece of advice to young artists starting their journey today, what would it be?

My advice would be to stay authentic, curious and dedicated. Never be afraid to experiment and take risks in your artistic journey. Surround yourself with diverse influences, and always strive to learn. Most importantly, remember that art is a journey, not a destination – enjoy the process, and let your passion guide you for self development exposure to nature for sustainability.