Art Promoter – as curator, writer, gallerist, consultant and advisor

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS (Multi-Artist)

• Jerusalem Biennale 2019: "Experiments with Truth" based on the philosophy and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Currently under curation.
• Art for Kerala Flood, 2018: Co-curated works of over 300 artists from across India under a single roof, with 100% sale proceeds donated to the Kerala CM's fund for rescue and rehabilitation efforts, post the devastating Kerala floods. National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
• Festival of India in Thailand 2017-18: "India at 70" mapping the canvas of Indian contemporary and post-modern art, over 70 years of India as a nation state. Bangkok Arts and Culture Center, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi.
• Between Worlds, 2018: Exhibition of works by Icelandic artist Dominique Ibsen based on her experiences of the Indian forests. Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi.
• Crossroads, India and the World, a Friendship through Art, 2017: Exhibition of cross-cultural artistic oeuvre of artist members of EASA and SHoM. Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi.
• Festival of India in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 2016: "Epic Journey of Indian Art" Exploring contemporary Indian artists' dalliances with the timeless heritage of the epics.
• Edge of Reason, 2013: An explosion of new thoughts and contemporary issues of identity, feminism, sexuality, race and social structures expressed through innovative approach and new media. Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
• A Brush with the Divine, 2011: Co-presented with Sapna Kar, an art auction to raise funds and awareness about Sushmita Sen's I Am Foundation.
• Weaving Legacy, 2010: Celebrating ten years of Indian Art Circle and the deep and rewarding association with some of the most acclaimed artists of India. Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Center, New Delhi.
• Romancing the Figure, 2010: Observing the commemoration of the human form other figures in contemporary artistic practice of India - at once spontaneous and gratifying, as one of the world's most populous countries! (then) ABM Amro Bank, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi.
• Shakti, Women in the Vanguard of Indian Art, 2008: Women artists of India not only form a substantial statement in the contemporary practice, they lead from the front in exploring newer frontiers and breaking new ground. Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
• Ashraya Art Auction, 2007: An auction of artworks curated from some of the finest talents across the country in aid of Ashraya, a Bangalore based charitable organization promoted by Nomita Chandy. The Italian Embassy, New Delhi.
• Spirit of Art, 2006: A showcasing of paintings and sculpture by a selection of promising young talents and emerging masters of the contemporary art scene. Open Palm Court, India Habitat Center, New Delhi.
• Weaving Legacy, 2005: Fifth Anniversary exhibition, a coming together of the most acclaimed artists of India, a pastiche of oeuvres and media. Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
• Revert to Nucleus, Women on Women, 2004: Feminine voice and predicament and gender issues in the social fabric of the country, a collective visual comment by women artists of India. Hotel Ashok, New Delhi.
• Spirit of Art, 2003: An eclectic collection of artworks, a tribute to the multifaceted talent of a range of promising young artists and some emerging masters. Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, New Delhi.
• Weaving Legacy, 2001: First Anniversary show of Indian Art Circle, a celebration of the living legends of Indian art. Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Center, and 14th Floor Lounge, Hotel Maurya Sheraton, New Delhi.
• Other than these, several solo exhibitions, online and physical, including India debut of Kota Neelima, Dominique Ambroise Ibsen, Sharmila Thapar, Neeta Dogra.

LAUNCH OF INDIAN ART CIRCLE, 2000:

Premiere comprehensive website on Indian art, rich in knowledge content, including Masters' official Home-Pages, View-Only galleries, Online shopping Galleries and 'Know Indian Art' web treatise.

Formal gala launch over a press-conference also attended by some of the most acclaimed artists and critics.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS:

• Author, "Kalamezhuthu, an Esoteric Art Form", currently under publication.
• Author, "Know Indian Art" online treatise on journey of Indian art from the Harappan times to the present. https://www.indianartcircle.com/know-india-art.php
• Articles and columns on art and human-interest subjects published in various publications like The Diplomatist, Art & Deal, Woman's Era, Democratic World etc. and curatorial notes/ forewords all in-house productions. E.g. http://democraticworld.in/component/k2/item/654-of-art-losing-oneself-and-missing-the-masterpieces?magid=50.
• Extensively studied and researched Indian and international art practices, both contemporary and traditional.
• Continuous appraisal of most of the important exhibitions in the capital, and of work by artists from across India and the world.

TALKS AND SEMINARS:

• Habitat Photosphere - India Habitat Center, Talk on 'Kalamezhuthu: Shifting Contexts among Changing Cultural Scenarios'. March 2019
• Seminar at Ramanujan College, Delhi University, as part of Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on 'Teaching Methodologies in Philosophy' for college, university teachers and research scholars from across the country. Nov 2018.
• Panelist, Kirori Mal College Women's Conclave ‘Gender as a Prism for Talent', Delhi University; Sept 2017. https://www.blog-vlog.net/single-post/KMC-2K17
• Seminar at Daulat Ram College National Seminar on ‘Interface of Philosophy with Various Art Forms' March 2017. https://www.facebook.com/skepticsdrc/photos/gm.264767360637756/1902834693326108/?type=3&theater
• Speaker at National Conference on Innovation in Visual Arts, Amity University, March 16. Kalamezhuthu – ancient Installation Art Form. April 2016

AWARDS / EXPERT ADVISORY

• Pride of Nation Award, for Excellence in Contribution to Arts, March 2019.
• Expert Committee on Art Education, Council for Cultural Resources and Training, 2019.
• Expert Committee Member, Award of Scholarship to Young Artistes in different Cultural Fields (SYA), Ministry of Culture, 2018.
• Fellowship, Ministry of Culture, for Research on Kalamezhuthu 2013 to 2016
• CCS HAU Hisar University Gold Medal for All Round Excellence.
• Chandra Kanta Lamba Gold Medal for Academic Excellence IC College of CCS HAU Hisar.
• Winner of National Level Essay Competition – Unity in Diversity. Award by Governer of Punjab at Ludhiana.
• Participated in National Level Inter University Debate – Relevance of Non-Aligned Movement.
• Editor, College Magazine, IC College, CCS HAU Hisar.
• Secretary, Suman Sudha Society, IC College of H.Sc., CCS HAU, Hisar.
• Editor, College Magazine, Dayanand College, Hisar.
• Participated in National Level Children's Camp in Trichur, Kerala.
• National Youth Festival
• Winner of prizes and participations in creative writing, drawing and poster making, debate, declamation, dance, music and cultural events throughout school.

EDUCATION:

• Mentoring: Several years with Mr. Keshav Malik, India's senior-most art critic who was also on Indian Art Circle's Board of Advisors.
• International Museum Art Galleries visited: National Gallery of Singapore, Singapore; Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Accademia Gallery, Florence; Pitti Palace, Florence; National Gallery of Modern Art, Rome; National Gallery, London; Tate Modern, London; Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Seattle Asian Art Museum, Seattle; Museum of Fine Arts, Bern; Ballenberg Open Air Museum, Switzerland; and several other (non-art) museums of culture and history.
• Art Appreciation: Certificate Course, 2011, from National Museum Institute, New Delhi
• Creative Writing: Certificate Course, 2010, British Council, New Delhi
• Observed and Volunteered: curatorial practice at Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1997; Museum of Fine Arts, Bern, 2005.
• M.Sc. in Foods & Nutrition: 1997: CCS HAU Hisar.
• B.Sc.: Indira Chakravarty College, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. 1994
• School: Campus School, CCS HAU Hisar.