BANGANI ART FOUNDATION
SUGAM GAUD
My Story
My journey as an artist began in Almora, Uttarakhand, where I was pursuing my graduation in Fine Arts. While Almora is rich in culture and natural beauty, the academic and artistic resources available to us at the time were quite limited. I was practicing art with sincerity and passion, but I often felt directionless. I did not yet understand how to strengthen my practice, how to think critically about my work, or how to position myself within the larger contemporary art landscape. I was creating, but without clarity about where that creation could lead me.
A turning point in my life came when I met Jagmohan Sir. Even before the formal establishment of Bangani Art Foundation (BAF), he had already begun mentoring me. He did not just guide me technically; he transformed the way I understood art itself. Through his mentorship, I was introduced to contemporary art and its expanded possibilities. I began to realize how much art had evolved from traditional frameworks, and more importantly, why that evolution was necessary. He encouraged me to think beyond conventional approaches, to question, to observe deeply, and to understand art as a reflection of lived experience and critical thought.
Under his guidance, I participated in several art camps and mentorship programs. I witnessed how he was not only mentoring me but also nurturing many young artists from the mountains who, like me, came from limited exposure and opportunities. His vision was not just to create individual artists, but to build a supportive artistic ecosystem.
In 2023, when Bangani Art Foundation was officially established, I naturally became part of it. The foundation’s vision and goals deeply resonated with me. One of the most important lessons I learned through BAF was the value of collective growth — that regardless of circumstances, artists must support each other and move forward together. BAF created an environment where dialogue, learning, and shared experiences became central to artistic development.
At that time, I was pursuing my Master’s degree in Almora, but Jagmohan Sir encouraged me to aim higher and apply to institutions that could challenge and expand my perspective further. Following his advice, I prepared for and successfully cleared the entrance examination for the College of Art, Delhi. Moving to Delhi marked another significant shift in my journey. It exposed me to a wider art world, diverse practices, and critical engagement. I completed my Master’s degree there in 2025, and throughout this period, I remained actively connected with BAF — participating in mentorship programs, exhibitions, and discussions.
One of the most transformative experiences of my life was participating in BAF’s program “PADAV 2.” During this program, we stayed at Kaladham, where I had the rare opportunity to visit the studios of several established contemporary artists. Interacting with them, observing their processes, and understanding their perspectives on art was profoundly impactful. Studio visits are invaluable experiences that young artists rarely get access to, and this exposure expanded my artistic thinking tremendously. It helped me understand not just how artists create, but how they live, think, and sustain their practice.
After completing my Master’s, I applied for the Lalit Kala Akademi National Scholarship and was fortunate to be selected. This brought me to the Garhi Studios in Shimla, where I am currently continuing my research and practice. Reaching this stage has been a deeply meaningful milestone for me.
I strongly believe that my journey to this point has been shaped significantly by the mentorship and support I received from Jagmohan Sir and Bangani Art Foundation. Their guidance did not just help me grow professionally, but also helped me build confidence, clarity, and belief in my own voice as an artist.
BAF continues to play an important role in my life, as it constantly opens new doors to experiences, dialogues, and opportunities. I believe that an artist is ultimately the sum of their experiences, and BAF has been one of the most important sources of those experiences in my journey.
I remain deeply grateful for this mentorship and look forward to continuing this journey of growth, exploration, and artistic discovery.
DIVYA GUPTA
My Story
Being in art field it's important for each artist to explore more and more. I started my artistic journey with different theme like religious, social behaviour to currently working on women and couple emotions. I always quench for best opportunities to help me and guide me towards my artistic goals. BAF organization help me in showcasing my work and it help me to boost my enthusiasm. My journey started with BAF organization through their BAF award exhibition in 2024 and after that their mentorship program "PADAV". Being a part of that exhibition and residency program given me vast knowledge about art related topics and how to interact with diverse people mindset. I gain knowledge about contemporary art world through art talks.BAF organization is that organization which supports artist to grow in day to day life through healthy visual art discussions. BAF played an important role in my shaping mindset toward my art. It helped to be vocal for my work. I will continue to grow with all the guidance and skills which I received through BAF.
AMIT BHARADWAJ
My Story
For me, art is not merely the act of creating images. It is an inward journey a way of encountering myself. Art is a process of confronting the questions, doubts, and truths that quietly live within us. The canvas becomes a mirror, reflecting not the outer world, but an inner landscape. This understanding, however, was not always with me. During my Master’s studies, I was close to art, yet unaware of its true depth. I was making paintings, but I had not yet begun to truly see. I understood form and technique, but I had not discovered vision.
A turning point came during an art mentorship camp, where I met Jagmohan sir. Later I became associated with BAF, and selected for the BAF Padav Camp. This experience opened new doors for me, as it gave me the opportunity to interact with established professional artists and closely observe their working processes. Engaging with their practices and witnessing diverse artistic approaches broadened my perspective significantly. The camp became an important learning phase in my journey, offering both inspiration and clarity. It was a deeply enriching experience that strengthened my understanding of contemporary art and further shaped my evolving practice.
Under BAF guidance, I was introduced to the deeper essence of artistic practice. He taught me that art is not about producing images for the eye alone, but about awakening perception about understanding what lies beneath appearances. That encounter transformed my relationship with art. After this experience, I began to rediscover my practice. My works shifted from being visual compositions to becoming psychological explorations. I started engaging with inner tensions the silent conflicts between ego and awareness, desire and restraint allowing these forces to take form on the canvas.
At the same time, I continued working a job to support myself. Balancing livelihood and creative pursuit strengthened my discipline and deepened my commitment. Art was no longer an abstract aspiration; it became a responsibility and a conscious choice. This journey was further affirmed when I was selected for the scholarship by the Lalit Kala Akademi. The recognition was not only an achievement, but a reassurance that sincere exploration and dedication gradually carve their own path.
Today, my practice remains an evolving inquiry. With each new work, I move a little closer to understanding the complexities within and invite viewers to enter that space of reflection with me.
AMIT SINGH
My Story
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been born in the lap of the land of gods, Uttarakhand. The serene valleys of the Himalayas, the simple social life, and the natural rhythms of nature became the first gurus of both my life and art. It was there that my vision began to perceive the rhythm of lines, patterns, and organic forms. The subtle balance of nature taught me the first lessons of creation. However, for a long time, I was unsure about my direction and innovation as a contemporary artist. I had the creative energy within me, but it needed clear identity and expression. At such a time, joining the Bangani Art Foundation (BAF) proved to be a turning point in my life.
BAF not only gave me a platform, but also vision. The mentorship, deep conversations, and constant encouragement I received here profoundly influenced my artistic process. I not only had the opportunity to refine my technical skills, but also found direction in understanding and strengthening my ideas, my roots, and the conceptual depth of my work.
This process gave clarity to my visual language and built my confidence. I learned to trust my intuition and found the courage to express myself fearlessly. For me, BAF is not just an organization, but a living idea—a dream that truly connects with society and our cultural roots through art. It is a platform where art is not only created, but also known, understood, and lived. Here, every artist has the opportunity to forge their own identity, learn, and grow. BAF is like a family to me—where the energy of support, inspiration, and creativity constantly flows. This foundation gives me the strength to stay connected to my soil, my values, and my cultural heritage. I am proud to be a part of Bangani Art Foundation. This organization not only provides a platform for artists, but also works to make society sensitive, aware, and culturally rich through art. My shared commitment with BAF is to give back to society through art. I believe that in the future, BAF will establish its unique identity nationally and globally and become a medium for many young artists to realize their dreams.
Since joining BAF, I have experienced profound progress on both a personal and professional level. My work has gained clarity, my thinking has become more focused and committed. The opportunities to present my work and connect with the wider artistic community have given me a sense of identity as well as responsibility. BAF has given new direction and shape to my artistic journey. It has led me from uncertainty to confidence, and from silence to expression. The values, guidance, and inspiration I have received here are a strong foundation for my future creative journey.
