Today we’d like to introduce you to Nalin Kamat
Hi Nalin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Art has always been a part of my life. I started drawing when I was only 2 years old. My Grandfather was a professional artist and his first gift to me was a box of crayons. Since I can remember I always enjoyed sketching and drawing. As I gradually increased my skill, I became more serious about becoming a professional artist. And by the time I was 12 years old, I started looking for opportunities to display and sell my work.
But I hit an unexpected roadblock. I discovered most shows and art fairs had age restrictions. Many art galleries had legal restrictions that were barriers for young artists. An artist was expected to turn 18, finish high school, go to art school, and then start exhibiting their work. Under 18 artists very often struggle to find spaces where they can showcase their work, connect with mentors, and receive recognition. The art world can be daunting, and opportunities for emerging talent are frequently limited. As a result, many young creatives lack visibility and support, which hinders their growth and development in the art world.
I was 13 when I first exhibited and won awards for my art. But opportunities to exhibit weren’t frequent. So I decided to create a gallery specifically for under 18 artists that would provide this opportunity to many other young artists like myself.
By creating an environment focused on youth art, the Gallery bridges the gap between emerging artists and art enthusiasts, helping to elevate the voices of the next generation. This niche not only recognizes the creative potential among youth but also addresses a gap in the traditional art market that often overlooks their contributions.
Fast forward to 2024, Little EGG Gallery has exhibited nearly 1000 artworks of 350 under 18 artists from all around the world. We have also exhibited in prestigious art fairs in NYC, such as Art on Paper, with +100 galleries featuring top modern and contemporary art. The gallery has been featured on Hyperallergic, Reader’s Digest’s cover article, Artsy, CBC TV & CBC Kids News, The Art Newspaper, Toronto Star, TLN TV and more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I started the gallery when I was 13, with no connections in the art world. It was an uphill battle to get opportunities and stand out from long established art galleries in Toronto. Getting accepted by more prestigious art fairs, organizations and newspapers was a challenge. Many professionals thought the gallery was simply a gimmick. It was also difficult to make people understand why the gallery is only for young creatives. I think one of our jurors said it best: “Children have more creatively when they are young, before they feel pressured to follow rules and styles in their work.” Art has no rules – and should have no age barrier.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We believe that age should be no barrier to the possibility of art itself.
Little EGG Gallery continues to thrive and grow exhibiting over 150 young artists per year. Artists from ages 4 – 17 from all over the world have participated our shows. Little EGG has financially supported young underprivileged artists from Ukraine, Uganda and Israel to allow them to exhibit their artwork.
In just over 2 years, we are on our way to achieving our mission of becoming the global venue to celebrate the next generation of contemporary artists.
The Gallery also represents nearly ten under 18 artists from Canada and the US. All their artwork for sale is available on our website shop and Artsy pages. Our represented artists are showcased in exhibitions every few weeks as well as art fairs in NYC in the spring and fall.
For 2025, we are already planning a full roster of exhibition and fairs in Toronto and NYC, including numerous events featuring our represented artists.
The gallery has an open call for artists all year round. We host juried exhibitions with 40 – 60 young artists every few months in Toronto and NYC. The shows feature awards for the top artists as well as 150 – 200 visitors at the usually sold out opening receptions. We also empower young emerging musicians and singers through performances at the opening receptions.
All young artists are welcome to apply for free. Limited space fills up fast. “Sola” will be our first contest & exhibition of 2025. 40 cutting edge artists will be selected through an art contest and will be shown at the gallery in Jan – Feb 2025. Sola, derives from the Latin “sol”; light, life, and hope in the bleakness winter. All styles of art welcome to exhibit.
We will also be hosting our NYC spring show in April. Last year the show featured nearly 70 artists, sponsored awards, and nearly 300 visitors at the opening reception.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have been very fortunate in meeting so many people who have helped the gallery get to where it is today. The amazing response and support for our goal and mission has been instrumental in our ability to continue exhibiting the work of young and emerging artists. The recognition the gallery has received over the last few years has been humbling. The gallery has also been very lucky to have exhibited so much wonderful artwork that our young artists create. To share that with thousands of art lovers is a dream come true.
Pricing:
- Art Show Exhibitor fee – $31
- Tula Charcoal Artwork – $4900
- Ignis Charcoal Artwork – $2600
- Giclee Limited Edition Prints from $120
- Little EGG Tote Bag – $7
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.little-egg-gallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_egg_artgallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089703630489
- Other: https://www.nalinkamat.com
Image Credits
All images are by myself.