Nimisha Doongarwal: Layered Identities

Artist Nimisha Doongarwal

Artist Nimisha Doongarwal

Website: https://www.nimishart.com/

Instagram: @nimishart

Nimisha Doongarwal is a contemporary artist from India, currently living and working in San Francisco. Through her mixed-media portraiture, Nimisha creates images that are both visually striking and thought provoking. She aims to inspire viewers to work towards dismantling systems of inequality. Her art serves as a platform for change, amplifying marginalized voices and experiences.

How did your creative journey begin?

My creative journey commenced as a young Indian immigrant in pursuit of a Master's degree in Computer Science in the United States. Despite early inclinations towards art, I chose the path of engineering, eventually becoming an Engineering Manager at a tech firm. However, my enduring fascination with art history and psychology led me to Stanford University's Continuing Studies program in 2014. Subsequently, I enrolled in the MFA program at the Academy of Arts University, driven by a desire to leverage art as a catalyst for positive change in the world. In 2017, a pivotal experience at a plein-air painting residency in Italy prompted a shift in my artistic focus. Recognizing a need for greater depth in my work, I transitioned from landscapes to vibrant, expressive dream-like paintings of landscapes and cityscapes, influenced by my Indian heritage. This transition was further fueled by a desire to address social discomfort. During the Trump administration (2017-2018), contemplation of my identity and that of immigrants in the US inspired me to delve into mixed-media paintings emphasizing "Hybrid Identities." Notably, one early work juxtaposed a colonial British portrait with Indian colors, patterns, icons, and fabric, illustrating the cultural intersection during colonization. While I initially believed painting was the sole avenue to artistic expression, a realization dawned on me a few years ago: it was insufficient to convey my concepts. Presently, I primarily utilize collaging as my medium, a choice reflective of the layered identities prevalent in our contemporary world. My creative process mirrors the intricate formation of identities over time, shaped by a fusion of cultures, surroundings, experiences, and current realities.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find my creative inspiration primarily in the realm of social issues and current affairs. Each piece I create is a response to the societal challenges I observe or read about in my surroundings. My artistic endeavors manifest as vibrant, abstract portraits that, upon closer inspection, serve as visual documentation of contemporary issues in our society. I strive to produce works that are aesthetically pleasing yet carry a weight of social and political commentary. My artistic approach can be best described as creating visually appealing pieces that also serve as a medium to raise awareness about pressing issues. I aim to make my art visually digestible while maintaining a deep connection to the social fabric of our times. The heartbeat of my work is rooted in the importance of reaching a wide audience, and my creative compass is guided by the ongoing currents of current affairs. Looking ahead, I hope for a future where societal discrimination based on factors like color, race, and religion is eradicated, and my art continues to play a role in fostering positive change.

How has your work evolved over the last few years?

Over the past few years, my art has undergone a profound transformation. Initially a landscape oil painter, my journey shifted towards becoming a socio-political mixed media artist. The turning point was a plein-air painting course in Italy, where I fulfilled a dream of capturing the enchanting landscapes of Venice and Florence. Despite the joy, a persistent sense of something missing led me to a deeper exploration of my artistic identity. As an individual of Indian descent, my natural fascination with colors propelled me from traditional landscapes to dreamlike, expressive cityscape paintings. Desiring to convey profound narratives and express social discomfort, I delved into the tumultuous socio-political landscape during the Trump administration. This reflection culminated in my earliest mixed media paintings, focusing on "Hybrid Identities," symbolizing cultural overlap during colonization. A pivotal realization challenged the notion that painting alone defined artistry. Embracing collaging as my primary medium, resonating with layered identities, I explored the intricate process of identity formation over centuries. Looking ahead, I intentionally avoid artistic restrictions, letting concepts guide versatility. Recent explorations include innovative mixed media techniques, diverse materials, and even considerations for three-dimensional imagery. Community involvement is crucial, shaping my art to be relatable and enriching my creative concepts through diversity.

What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?

My daily routine stands in contrast to the typical artist's life, as I navigate the dual roles of an engineer by day and an artist by night since 2013. This unique rhythm brings me immense joy, even though it fills my days and weekends to the brim. Art, driven by passion, keeps me connected to emotions and creativity, while my engineering work nurtures analytical thinking and confidence. I've experienced the intensity of my commitment to art, highlighted by a humorous incident where a week dedicated to painting led to seven finished pieces and an unexpected hand injury. Despite the challenges, my dedication to art remains unwavering as it breathes life into my existence. Being part of the artist community is challenging with a schedule limited to weekends and nights. Unlike full-time artists, I miss the luxury of daytime gallery strolls, but I make the most of my available time to immerse myself in the creative process. Crucially, my husband, Santosh, is a constant pillar of support, providing encouragement that sustains me through the daily grind. Without his unwavering support, my dream of being an artist would not have been attainable. This unique blend of engineering and artistic pursuits shapes my daily life, infusing it with a balance of analytical rigor and creative exploration.

Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?

My journey as an artist is deeply influenced by my experiences as an immigrant in the USA. Despite holding an Indian passport, my connection to the USA surpasses that with my country of birth. The concept of "Land of Work" resonates strongly, making the USA my home and the focal point of my identity. However, the constant fear of being asked to return to my birth country lingers, shaping my perspective and fueling my art. The Bay Area, where I reside, serves as a significant catalyst for my artistic exploration. It propels me to delve into questions of identity and belonging, leading to the inception of my project, "Immigrant Identity," during the Trump administration. Through my art, I aim to shed light on the daily struggles faced by immigrants, using the canvas to communicate emotions and distress. It is disheartening to witness the persistence of racism, especially in a nation built by and for immigrants. My portraits strive to convey our shared humanity, transcending physical differences. The duality of being an engineer and an artist is a symbiotic relationship that enriches my creative process. While art keeps me connected to emotions and creativity, engineering instills analytical thinking and systematic approaches. My art practice is research-intensive, allowing me to engage with diverse perspectives—a facet enhanced by my involvement in the tech industry. Embracing both the artistic and analytical sides mirrors the holistic approach of the old masters, like Leonardo da Vinci, who excelled in both art and science. This integration of perspectives shapes my artistic identity and contributes to the depth and breadth of my work.

How has social media impacted your work?

Social media has significantly shaped my artistic journey, acting as a vibrant platform for creative expression and connection. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have allowed me to share my evolving artworks, connect with a global audience, and receive immediate feedback. This direct engagement has not only broadened my reach but has also provided valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and reactions my art generates. More than just a promotional tool, social media has played a crucial role in defining my artistic identity. Exposure to a multitude of artworks and diverse cultural influences on these platforms has expanded my artistic horizons, impacting the themes and stylistic elements of my creations. The digital realm has become an integral aspect of my artistic process, offering both a space for self-expression and a continual source of inspiration. Despite embracing the digital sphere, I still cherish the traditional experience of visiting art in person, encouraging viewers to do the same for a uniquely immersive connection with the artwork.

How does your chosen medium affect your process?

My artistic process is heavily influenced by detailed research which forms the foundation of my work, with selected images digitally juxtaposed to create an initial portrait. The process shifts between digital and physical realms, including photo collaging, image transferring, silkscreen techniques, and canvas painting. The tactile mark-making phase involves tearing paper, layering fabric, and employing various brush strokes until the mixed media painting is complete. I prefer mixed-media over traditional paintings to mirror the intricate layers of identities formed over centuries, emphasizing the fusion of cultures, surroundings, and the interplay of past and present. Collaging, my chosen medium, is crucial for interweaving diverse elements and creating narratives that mirror the complexity of contemporary identities. The tactile engagement with cutting and arranging materials enhances the intimacy of my creative process. In line with my thematic focus on hybrid identities, collaging symbolically explores the diverse influences shaping individual and collective identities. This medium offers a unique storytelling avenue, allowing nuanced messages through the juxtaposition of images and textures. Mixed media’s versatility liberates me from traditional painting constraints, enabling experimentation with three-dimensional elements and diverse materials. This freedom ensures a dynamic and resonant artistic expression, evolving with the ever-changing landscape of contemporary identity.

Victoria FryFebruary 8, 2024