Weaving narratives of art in everyday life: From modest beginnings to driving change through art

I would describe Heena Pari as a reflective, self-aware, passionate, and kind person. A multifaceted individual Heena is a homemaker, an artist, a creative consultant and a New Yorker.

Growing up in a conservative Gujarati family in Mumbai, Heena was coaxed to choose the conventional educational path for a secure career. A chance encounter with a charcoal drawing class during her early college years, made her realize her love for the fine arts. But breaking traditional molds is never easy so the desire to pursue art was kept on hold.

After marriage and a move to Bangalore, she decided to pursue her desire of studying the fine arts. The support of her husband and in-laws proved invaluable while juggling college life, home and motherhood. She completed her degree while caring for her growing daughter and supporting her entrepreneur husband. She started her artistic practice from her home studio, working with the local art community and slowly established herself as an artist with a multidisciplinary practice of drawing, painting, video art, digital art and installation.

The year 2022 marked a new chapter in her life, she moved to the United States. The transition from Bangalore to NYC was overwhelming, but Heena persevered, finding strength in her art. “Art helps me navigate life and my emotions,” she explains.

She continuous to draw support from local New Yorkers, the Indian diaspora and a growing network of South Asian/ other immigrant artists as she settles into her life in New York.

When quizzed on what’s next for her, Heena says –

“I strongly believe art needs to be more accessible and available to the public, because it is a very important aspect of life. My vision is to create a dynamic working space for Indian artists that engages with the community at large. This move to NYC is giving me a platform to dream big and bring visibility for contemporary artistic practices from India.”