Artist Vinita Karim on Art as a Bridge Between Cultures

Contemporary Indian artist Vinita Karim has lived in over 15 cities across Europe, Asia and the Middle East throughout her life, creating a truly global perspective that shines through her work. In a signature color palette of warm golds, reds and blues, her original paintings combine the distinctive characteristics of real cities into one fantastical location. The waters and bustling ports of the Mediterranean, the sand dunes in the Sahara and ancient temples of Asia meld together, expressing the interconnectedness of the world.

To Vinita, art is also a bridge between people and cultures. She can bring a canvas with her wherever she goes, and there is no language barrier with a painting.

— Sonia Nayyar Patwardhan

In her own words, artist Vinita Karim reflects on the ability of art to help center oneself and express gratitude:

My children often say “Mummy, you have the best profession!”

And I agree with them, I do have the best profession. But it’s more than a profession — it’s more of a calling, or a grand passion that has never abated.

I have lived in several countries around the globe, uprooting myself and adapting to new places, cultures and people each time. Throughout these changes, art has been a constant for me — art is something which you can engage with wherever you are. And by sharing my art through exhibitions and workshops, I have been able to connect with people across cultures. Art truly has its own language. It decimates boundaries.

In today’s world, I realize even more the importance of art. One can tap into one’s creativity, through many mediums like music, writing or painting. I feel blessed that I have this wonderful gift, which always keeps me excited to explore and to create and to dream. In fact, I believe each one of us has it. Some nurture it, and some don’t.

Painting for me has always been a form of meditation. When I paint, I am one with my canvas and my colors. I am one with the whole universe. I am totally immersed in it and everything else just fades away. I get deep satisfaction from it, and I am so grateful that I can express my feelings through this medium.

Through my paintings, I can articulate the joy of life on this wonderful planet, which is just a dot in this vast endless universe. I strive to express this beauty and wonder which I am privileged to experience. Through my art, I pay homage to life itself.

– Vinita Karim