We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Prince Varughese Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Prince Varughese thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I am a product of the Texas Public Educational System. I went to public schools and universities in the state of Texas.

1) Bring the Arts and Vocational training back into the school system. When I was in elementary school in Texas, we had drama, choir, orchestra, etc. This was all available to everyone. In Junior High, we had Photography, Drama, Music, and Art. In 7th Grade was when I first learned to develop and print film for Photography. It clearly made an impact because I become an Artist as an Adult. This all stems from the priority that Texas had in the 70’s & 80’s to the Arts that has been lost now.

2) Address the elephant in the room when it comes to College Tuition. States have stopped paying for their citizens’ education and have placed the burden on the student. When I was going to university at the University of Texas @ Arlington for undergraduate & University of Houston for graduate school, the State of Texas paid a larger percentage of my tuition which made going to college more affordable. Now the burden is on the student.

And one more ugly truth that we as Texans have forgotten – THE LOTTO was passed in Texas many years ago by telling us that the monies generated from the Lotto would go to fund education. That’s how they got us to vote “YES”. But has the money gone for education or the general fund?

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Prince Varughese Thomas is an immigrant visual artist, naturalized in the United States and works in Houston, TX. He is represented by Hooks-Epstein Galleries in Houston. He is an interdisciplinary artist whose work reflects the intersections of culture, identity, and social commentary. Drawing from his own multicultural background and deep appreciation for the complexities of human experience, he adeptly scrutinizes and interrogates established structures, beliefs, and values within culture to develop a profound understanding of society and its multifaceted dynamics. Thomas’ artwork skillfully captures poignant moments within chaotic worlds.

Thomas’s artistic practice delves into the interstices, exploring the nuanced and often overlooked aspects of culture. Through his work in Drawing, Photography, Video, and Installation, he reveals the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate subjects, shedding light on the broader social landscape. Informed by an educational background in Art and Psychology, his artwork embodies a profound humanization of his subjects, evoking empathy and inviting viewers to engage with issues of race, class, politics, and identity that shape the complex fabric of contemporary society. Embracing the belief that art should reflect the times one lives, Thomas continuously seeks new avenues of exploration, investigating the ever-evolving cultural landscape that shapes our values and beliefs. As an artist, he strives to spark dialogue, challenge societal norms, and inspire introspection.

Recognized for his artistic impact, Thomas has received numerous accolades and grants including support from the City of Houston, the Andy Warhol Foundation, and the Joan Mitchell Foundation. His work has been exhibited in over 250 solo and group exhibitions at museums and galleries worldwide including the Atlanta Contemporary, the Queens Museum, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Amarillo Museum of Art, the Brownsville Museum of Art, the Museum of New Art, the Hammond Museum, and the Station Museum of Contemporary Art.

“My work speaks to the times in which I live.” — Prince Varughese Thomas

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

That making Art is a full-time job in itself.

The perception of being an artist often carries the misconception of a carefree and luxurious lifestyle, perpetuated by popular culture and media portrayals. In truth, making art is a demanding full-time endeavor, requiring artists to balance multiple jobs just to sustain their practice. Contrary to the glamorous depictions in cinema, the reality is one of relentless hard work.

Many artists I’ve encountered are among the most intellectually sharp individuals, necessitating broad knowledge across various subjects to breathe life into their creations. Creative problem-solving, inherent to artistic practice, consumes significant mental energy in the pursuit of finding the perfect solutions. Enduring in a field that frequently offers little recognition demands a formidable level of resilience. Artists exemplify toughness and grit in their labor, a testament to the demands of their craft.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

That the world is fair.

The notion of the world being fair is deeply ingrained, especially for immigrants like myself, brought up with the belief that hard work inevitably leads to success. While there’s some truth to this, there’s also an undeniable reality: privilege begets more privilege. Those who start with advantages often maintain them, making it exceedingly difficult to ascend the ladder in fields where pedigree holds sway.

I think athletics is the only place where one can succeed solely based on merit. However, in many other spheres, such as the Arts and various professions, there’s a pervasive presence of insider trading. Though seldom openly acknowledged, this insider bias pervades, creating an environment where fairness is more aspiration than reality.
No one likes to address it but everyone knows its there and not fair.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.princevthomas.com
• Instagram: @princevthomas_art

Image Credits
Prince Varughese Thomas