We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nimisha Doongarwal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nimisha, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My passion for art developed at an early age, where painting, drawing, and sculpting became natural outlets for my creativity. As a teenager, I discovered the power of art to connect and communicate with others. Inspired by my artistically trained mother, I would emulate her paintings and express my interpretations. Additionally, I enjoyed various crafts, including stitching and sculpting, influenced by the art and culture of India

Although my artistic journey began with these early influences, I initially pursued a career in engineering as a young Indian immigrant in the United States, eventually becoming an Engineering Manager in the tech industry. However, my enduring fascination with art history and psychology led me to Stanford University’s Continuing Studies program in 2014. This passion ultimately drove me to enroll in the MFA program at the Academy of Arts University, where I aimed to leverage art as a catalyst for positive change.

Since then, I have dedicated myself to art as a profession, actively exhibiting in galleries. As a social activist, I employ my artworks to raise awareness about social issues, particularly racial injustice. My pieces have been exhibited in various galleries, museums, and public venues, including San Francisco International Airport, San Leandro Mall, San Mateo Public Library, and more. Notably, my art practice and philosophy has garnered recognition in over 35 publications internationally, including the prestigious Forbes Magazine. Maake magazine and Artseen, Artmarket magazine.

Nimisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Mixed Media collage artist creating social political portraits. As an immigrant and women of color, I am committed to exploring and challenging the intersections of race, gender, and post-colonialism in my work by exploring the ways in which gender and racial biases shape our world. My art is a means of both personal and political expression, as I strive to bring attention to the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities. Through my mix-media portraiture, I aim to create pieces that are both visually striking and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to consider the ways in which these biases intersect and impact the lives of individuals. I am also deeply interested in the ways in which post-colonialism continues to shape our world and the art that we create. I seek to create portraits that celebrate the diverse journey of people of color. I often incorporate elements of my cultural heritage and history into my work, seeking to reclaim and celebrate the rich traditions and histories of colonized peoples. Each piece starts with research resulting in a curated collection of photographs, fabric, and other materials. I use old fabric, such as traditional wear saris from the Indian subcontinent, to emphasize the cultural heritage. These images are made up of layers of collaged paper, oil, acrylic, ink, oil pastels, stamps etc. to reemphasize the layered identities of people. The collected materials are then image transferred, collaged and painted on, resulting in about 7-10 layers. The physical marks making follow the repetitive cycle of going between tearing and layering prints, collaging, painting, stamping, and adding fabric. The layers vary in size, saturation, and opacity to emphasize compositions and concepts. The layering and the collaging process I use is reminiscent of our Identity creation, as they were developed over centuries by cultural and traditional overlaps.
My ultimate goal as an artist is to create work that engages and inspires viewers to think more strongly about the ways in which gender and racial biases shape our society, and to consider the ways in which we can work to dismantle these systems of oppression. I believe that art has the power to spark dialogue and change, and I am committed to using my art as a means of amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. Overall, my art is a means of creating space for dialogue and change, as I work to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women and marginalized communities.
My works have been featured in over 32 publications and magazines including Forbes, Maake magazine, and Artmarket magazine. I have exhibited in over 80 group and solo exhibits which includes the DeYoung Museum, San Francisco International Airport, UCSF Women’s Hospital, Gallery RouteOne, San Mateo City Hall, San Mateo Library, Museum of Northern California, and Brown University.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is deeply rooted in a mission to be a catalyst for positive change in the world. As an artist, my goal is to raise awareness about critical social issues, particularly focusing on racial injustice. I aim to spark meaningful conversations, challenge perspectives, and foster a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of identities that shape our world. Through my art, I strive to create a space for dialogue, exploration, and connection, inviting viewers to question, reflect, and engage with the profound narratives embedded in each piece. My mission is to use visual storytelling as a powerful tool for social advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on hearts and minds.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on a profound and emotional level through my creative expressions. Witnessing the impact of my art on viewers, sparking conversations, and eliciting a range of emotions is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience, and knowing that my work resonates with others and can evoke thought, reflection, or even inspire change is truly gratifying. The shared connection between my creations and the audience makes the artistic journey exceptionally rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nimishart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimishart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nimishart 
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nimishart 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nimishart8402