Growing up in New York City, I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by some of the world’s best museums and galleries. As a kid, I would visit the Met and be amazed by all the paintings and sculptures. I joined my first art class before I even started school. As I began high school, I was given more opportunities to immerse myself in learning about the art world. Through art history and art classes, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the stories behind each piece: the context, the culture, and the artist's intention. 

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As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more curious and proud of my Indian heritage. Indian culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in artistic expression, from classical dance and intricate textiles to colorful rangolis to temple carvings. Art is woven into its culture, not just preserved in museums. I’ve always been surrounded by rich traditions, stories, and values that have shaped who I am. However, when I walked through galleries and museums, I didn’t see that part of my culture represented. This absence made me want to explore more contemporary Asian artists and understand the idea behind whose stories get told, whose voices are amplified.

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Simultaneously, I developed a strong interest in feminism, especially within the context of both Western and South Asian cultures. I began to question how gender roles were portrayed in the art I studied and how the narratives of women—particularly Indian women—were either erased or stereotyped. The women I learned about, and their artwork weren’t just making beautiful pieces but also challenging societal norms, questioning and resisting patriarchy, and reclaiming their voices.

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The intersection between art, feminism, and culture is where I feel most passionate. I want to explore how identity, gender, and heritage foster creative expression and empower women to share their narratives. Through my research, I aim to promote artists not as represented within galleries and the artwork and, most importantly, understand the stories they want to tell and the issues they want to face through their artwork.