Pooja Bajaj, Director, Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, On Mentorship Programmes, The Exhibition ‘Peripheral Shades’ And More
Pooja Bajaj, the director of Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, has built her reputation on nurturing fresh talent and expanding the reach of contemporary art. Her mentorship programmes are designed not to prescribe a voice but to provide the conditions for artists to discover their own, fostering critical dialogue and sustained practice.
In her own words, mentorship is about moving beyond mere visibility to creating an ecosystem where creators can thrive regardless of geography. The upcoming exhibition Peripheral Shades embodies this ethos, gathering works from diverse regions and economic backgrounds to challenge conventional narratives.
A notable partnership with FAANDEE and curator Nikhil Purohit has produced the Chala Bhetuya initiative, which takes art beyond established centres through studio visits and open conversations in places like Navi Mumbai. This decentralising effort underscores Bajaj’s belief that vital artistic conversations already exist outside the traditional hubs.
Bajaj defines art as a catalyst that reshapes how we see the world, urging artists to prioritize patience, curiosity, and the freedom to fail. She hopes emerging creators will embrace a slower, more reflective process, valuing depth over the rush for validation.