Cultural Community Contributions
1. Curation of a Community Art Project
In March 2019, I had the pleasure of curating the "Art Across Generations" graffiti workshop at Matoshree Vruddhashram (Old Age Home) in Pune, India. This initiative, supported by the Praffulla Dahanukar Art Foundation (PDAF) under the Sadanand community arts project, aimed to bridge the gap between young artists and senior citizens.The project focused on fostering connection and artistic expression. To incorporate the residents' creativity, I provided them with an iPad to draw their designs. These drawings, featuring elements like suns, coconut trees, and Rangoli patterns, became the heart of the final artwork.This project wasn't just about creating art; it was about creating a space for shared experience. By collaborating with the residents, I learned their stories and the meanings behind their art. The experience culminated in a beautiful graffiti artwork that became a focal point at Matoshree. Seeing the pride in the residents' eyes and the appreciation from visiting families was truly rewarding. It solidified my belief in the power of art to connect communities and create a lasting positive impact.
2. Preserving Tribal Heritage
In 2019, I collaborated with Mr. Viral Pandya, the founder of Wabi Sabi Films and manage "Indigenous India" YouTube Channel, on an impactful project focused on documenting tribal music and festivals in Gujarat, India. We conducted in-depth interviews with tribal musicians in remote villages and captured the essence of the Indian Tribal Music Festival at Aadiwasi Academy, Tejgadh, Chota Udaipur. This initiative was crucial for preserving and promoting the rich heritage of these tribal communities. By documenting their unique musical traditions and cultural practices, my main goal was to expose this deeply rooted Indian culture to the world and to future generations. I aimed to highlight how, with limited resources, these artisans create beautiful pieces of art. This project not only brought recognition to their cultural practices but also played a vital role in promoting cultural appreciation and socio-economic sustainability within these communities.
3. Socio-Cultural Documentation Project
In 2018, I assisted Mr. Hanoz Patel in documenting the Dhebaria Rabari community’s Bharat embroidery art in Kutch, Gujarat. Known for its katab (appliqué), moti (beadwork), and abhla (mirror-work) patterns, this traditional craft reflects the community's myths and lifestyle. Historically, Bharat embroidery was integral to dowry customs, imposing a significant burden on women who could not join their husbands until completing the intricate work. In 1995, to alleviate this social pressure, the Dhebaria Rabari Panchayat banned the making and wearing of Bharat. This ban aimed to liberate women but risked the art's extinction. Efforts by NGOs and artisans like Rabari Pabiben aim to revive and preserve this heritage. This project highlighted the cultural significance of Bharat embroidery and aimed to expose their rich heritage to the world, promoting cultural preservation and appreciation for future generations.
Link of the Article: https://www.sahapedia.org/the-rabaris-the-nomadic-pastoral-community-of-kutch
4. Field Research on Pastoralist Community, Kutch, Gujarat
In 2013, I participated in a field school led by Dr. Matthieu Salpeteur from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, conducted in Mindyala Village, Kutch, Gujarat, as part of a project aimed at understanding changes within the Pastoralist Rabari community of Kutch with the objective of acquiring knowledge and skills in field research techniques.
Field research on the pastoralist Rabari community of Kutch, India, is important for preserving their cultural heritage, understanding their unique way of life, conserving biodiversity, and developing sustainable livelihoods. The Rabari community has a rich cultural heritage that includes unique traditions, crafts, and skills. As predominantly pastoralists, their traditional knowledge systems and livestock rearing practices have an important role in the conservation of biodiversity, including rare animal breeds and plant species. Field research can help identify the challenges faced by the Rabari community and suggest ways to develop sustainable livelihoods that are aligned with their cultural values and traditions. Overall, this research can contribute to the conservation of the Rabari community's cultural and ecological heritage while supporting their well-being and sustainable development.
5. Sound Workshop at Mental Hospital, Baroda, India
In 2013, I collaborated with Dr. Igal Myrtenbaum, a sound artist from Israel, to conduct a sound workshop at a mental hospital in Baroda, India. This project involved documenting patients' expressions through etchings, highlighting the profound impact of art in therapeutic settings. The curated sound workshop played a significant role in improving the mental health of patients, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress levels. It provided patients with a creative outlet to express themselves and engage in therapeutic activities, fostering a sense of community and promoting social interaction, thereby reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, the use of sound and music in therapy enhanced cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being. This project underscored the importance of integrating art into mental health care and raised awareness about the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
Jury Role & Speaking Engagements
1. Prestigious Invitation as an External Jury Member
In 2019, I had the distinct honour of being invited as an external jury member at the esteemed Faculty of Fine Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India's top-ranked art institute. This prestigious invitation was a recognition of my significant artistic achievements and contributions to the field. At this renowned institution, I evaluated the final artwork of Master's students in printmaking, providing them with constructive feedback on their artistic vision, technical skills, and overall execution. This role allowed me to engage with emerging artists and contribute to the academic and artistic community, reinforcing the high standards of excellence that MSU Baroda is known for.
2. Invited Talk at Maharashtra Cultural Centre, Pune, India
In 2021, I had the honour of being invited to deliver a talk at the Maharashtra Cultural Centre (MCC) in Pune, India. Founded in 1965, MCC is a prestigious cultural organisation dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Maharashtra's rich artistic heritage. My presentation covered a range of insightful topics, including "Artistic Process," the "Perks of Working in Community Art Studios," and the "Cultural Art Exchange During International Residencies." Despite the lingering fears of COVID-19, the event saw an impressive turnout of 50-60 attendees, including art professionals, artists, art students, art critics, and art historians. This event demonstrated the community's resilience and eagerness to engage with the arts post-pandemic. The session provided an invaluable platform to share my experiences, foster discussions, and inspire the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
3. An Alumni Talk at India's Premier Art Institute
In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to deliver an alumni talk at the top-ranked Faculty of Fine Arts and the Department of Graphic Arts at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India. Titled "Unleashing Creativity in the Contemporary World," the presentation covered my personal art journey, multidisciplinary approach, and insights on socio-political art and digital product design. I shared valuable guidance on international cultural exchanges, AI Art, art business opportunities, and writing business proposals. The session, which received positive feedback for its engaging delivery and practical insights, emphasized the role of art in driving positive change and community engagement.
4. The Fusion of Creativity and Functionality: A Talk at MRID
I had the honour of presenting at the Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad Institute of Design (MRID) at the top-ranked Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India. The presentation, titled "The Fusion of Creativity and Functionality," was insightful and inspirational, covering my personal journey, the integration of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and design principles into fine arts, and the practical application of AI in design. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and user-centered designs, the talk highlighted the potential for merging traditional practices with digital tools for more engaging experiences. The interactive session was well-received, enhancing the learning experience for both students and faculty.
5. Talk as a finalist at Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton, UK
In 2024, as a finalist, I delivered my first talk in the United Kingdom. After decades in art-based socio-political advocacy and leading a successful art business, the COVID-19 pandemic inspired me to create a digital platform that merges empathy, art, and digital accessibility, aligning with the UN 2030 goals. This platform aims to break down barriers to participation and foster a compassionate global community. My journey began in 2012, during my first master's in visual arts, where I captured the emotions of mental health patients and translated them into art, highlighting the therapeutic power of art and sound. Moving to the UK for my second Master's in User Experience Design, I was inspired by the rich cultural diversity to develop a digital solution that enhances socio-economic resilience and promotes cultural preservation.
6. Assistant Professor at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune, India
My primary responsibility was to teach visual arts to undergraduate students pursuing their degrees in Fine Arts. During my tenure, I took the initiative to set up a printmaking studio from scratch and curated the First National Printmaking Residency for national-level artists from around the country, as well as for professors and students at the institute. There, I taught them intaglio printmaking processes and how to articulate their thought processes. Additionally, I conducted numerous printmaking workshops for senior faculty members and students from different courses. During this time, I also started weekly film screenings on art and artists, as well as group discussions and presentations. I aimed to implement these small initiatives, which helped me personally and were techniques I learned from my faculty at premier art institutes in India when I was studying there. Furthermore, I served as a member of the syllabus updating committee, which helped to ensure that the curriculum was relevant and up-to-date. My role at the institution was focused on enhancing the learning experience for students while contributing to the development of the visual arts program.
