Art Found Me: Ojas Art

The Poetics and Politics of Indian Folk and Tribal Art

Issue #005, Summer, 2020                                                                       ISSN: 2581- 9410

  Since childhood, I have been interested in the arts – coming from a family with a strong tradition in the arts and crafts, it was not surprising. Like most of my peers, during my school years, I did the rounds of museums and emporiums with my parents and during school trips. I also saw a lot of it in my home and stores that my family ran. While in the USA for my undergrad studies, I started “looking” at art – both there and here, in India, mostly via the Internet.  On completing my graduation, I returned to India and joined the family business. Dealing in jewellery and handicrafts was fun but I wanted to do more and found myself drawn to the arts – particularly the contemporary genre of visual arts. More than anything else, my main draw was the interaction and conversations with artists, historians and curators that transported me back to the university atmosphere that I missed. I believe Art found me as it was rather unplanned and serendipitous that I found myself organizing art workshops for young inmates at Tihar Jail as well as visits by contemporary artists. The result was a first-of-its-kind exhibition with artworks by jail inmates and contemporary artists – all displayed together. The exhibition was a big succe...