In a nutshell
My work is primarily inspired by sports, movement, play and well-being (in all its forms). I’m originally from Mumbai (India) and was brought up in Dubai, where art and sport have played a big role in my life since childhood.
I aim to use my art as a platform to elevate lesser known sports and athletes, celebrate sports, and encourage people to be active and follow healthier lifestyles that help healing (whether physical, mental or emotional).
Beyond sports, my inspiration expands to other related areas of movement such as children being active or pets playing.
The style
Contrast of colour and visual elements is at the crux of my artwork. The bold silhouettes in acrylics reflect the grit, determination and authenticity of the subject. These are juxtaposed by softer dots, lines and objects in marker. The lines are hand-drawn and deliberately imperfect to show motion.
My art journey
Growing up, I was largely influenced by my mother, a mixed media and fine artist. My childhood was filled with creating crafts, paintings, mixed media artwork and collages. I later experimented with clay, photography and sketching for some years, and recently boomeranged back into painting on canvas.
Sport as the original inspiration
From cycling, swimming, tennis, being a ballkid at the Dubai Tennis Championships, doing Crossfit, outdoor adventures...the sports world helped me overcome many physical and mental challenges.
I realized its impact on a personal and team level, beyond just fitness. My current focus is hybrid training and racing. I was introduced to this form of training in 2022 at Spirit Level, a Dubai-based gym focused on hybrid fitness andHYROX training. Here, I met many recreational and semi-professional athletes who inspired me through their discipline, fitness levels and accomplishments although being an athlete was often not their full
time job.
As I further immersed into the world of sports and fitness, I found that many sports and athletes don’t get the recognition they deserve. Thus, I aim to use my art to give them a voice. This includes professional, semi-professional and recreational athletes, as well as less talked about or emerging sports.
EDUCATION
Parsons School of Design
New York, USA
BBA Strategic Design and Management
(December 2013)
British Association of Art Therapists
One week foundation in art therapy
EXHIBITIONS / DISPLAYS
The ROX Collection, Spirit Level, 2024
A series of 9 paintings inspired by the sport and fitness competition HYROX
Design chosen to mock up on McLaren cars at the ‘Driven By Change‘ Design Workshop at Studio 13 in collaboration with Vuse and McClaren, Dubai, 2023
DIFC Art Nights, Dubai, 2020
EIS Meadows IGCSE Art Showcase, Dubai, 2009
JURY / SPEAKING
Industry Coach, OWN Academy
Dubai, UAE | 2023 - Present
Workshops on creative careers and branding with Year 11 students (Emirates International School Meadows, Collegiate International School)
Project Design Space, Dubai Institute of Design
and Innovation
Dubai, UAE | 2021
Part of 5-person jury to guide and evaluate projects by highschool students in the MENA region to design the GCC’s most sustainable brand. I also gave virtual talks on an introduction to branding and naming.
Greenfield International School
Chennai, India | 2020
Presented a talk to Grade 7-9 students: “The difference between Art and Design”
Vested Summit
Gouna, Egypt | 2018
Part of a 2 person team to evaluate 18 start-up pitches based on 4 criteria: creativity, social impact, growth & potential & passion.“Beyond the Business Pitch” & “Beyond the Storytelling” seminar for startups.