In the Arts to Hearts Podcast’s latest episode, Charuka Arora and Gargi Chandola engage in an authentic and in-depth conversation. The discussion touched on diverse topics, but both the hosts emphasized the importance of persistence for artists and why showing up every day is key to your success as an artist even in the face of adversity.

In this episode, Gargi Chandola, a self-taught artist from Delhi, discusses her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic with Charuka Arora. Chandola talks about how the isolation of the pandemic affected her work and mental health. She says that people may be pushing the traumatic experience behind them without fully understanding its impact.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health during these challenging times. Gargi Chandola shares her journey as an artist and how she returned to her passion for art through social media and group shows. Both Charuka and Gargi Chandola discuss the lack of exposure to art and museums in their upbringing in smaller towns. They say that it felt intimidating when they finally visited museums later in life. Chandola also talks about her experiences as a graphic designer and illustrator.

The conversation highlights the shared experiences of people around the world during the pandemic and the ongoing impact it has had on individuals and society as a whole. The conversation also delves into the harassment faced by women during authoritative regimes and how it affects them the most. Chandola shares her experience of standing up for her colleagues during the first India art fair, where the police disrupted the show, and how it affected her mental health.

The conversation also touches on Gargi Chandola’s first art fair and how it coincided with the protests happening in the country. This led her to highlight the protests happening in the country, particularly those led by women and queer folk, through her art. Despite the pandemic, Chandola continued to create art and even learned miniature art during her time in isolation. The conversation ends with a discussion on the evolving roles of insiders and outsiders in different ecosystems and the importance of supporting those who feel like outsiders.

Chandola also talks about her experience with Method, a gallery that approached her for a solo show after seeing her work at an art fair. The conversation also touches on Chandola’s art series featuring a monkey, a banana, and a woman. The series evolved from her observations of the monkeys in her jungle space and critiques masculine power and the struggle for power and identity faced by women. Chandola also incorporates sexual themes and humor in her art to address the perverseness in society.

Chandola’s recent art show was a commercial success, and she was surprised that random people who did not even speak about art bought her work. This gives hope to younger artists who are not yet institutionalized.

So, Join us for all this and more, as we continue to support our fellow women creatives and artists. Don’t forget to like, subscribe on Youtube, and share this episode with your creative and artistic community!

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About Gargi Chandola

Gargi Chandola is a self-taught visual artist hailing from New Delhi, India. Her art blends observations of the self, everyday life, and imagination. Chandola’s themes encompass feminist ideals, personal histories, social and political hierarchies, and she presents them with a dash of humor in her mainly paper-based paintings, illustrated zines, and large-scale murals.

Chandola is also a co-founder of Post-Art Project, a studio that promotes multi-disciplinary art. Currently, she is under the tutelage of a master artist training in Pahari Miniature. Chandola has showcased her work at different events, including The India Art Fair (2020), The Irregulars Art Fair (2019), ME-WE Exhibit, The American center, New Delhi (2018), Indianama at Rich Mix London as a part of London Design Festival (2017).

Key Highlights from the Episode

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on society and the arts. From the trauma and isolation of lockdowns to the loss of loved ones, the pandemic has affected all of us in different ways. In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, we explore the themes of trauma, isolation, creativity, the future outlook, the importance of art in India, the evolving roles of insiders and outsiders, the impact of the pandemic on learning, and the impact of art on society with Gargi Chandola, an artist based in India.

Trauma and Isolation

The pandemic has been a traumatic experience for many people. Chandola notes that “we did go through trauma…people who want to put that behind…we won’t know the real impact of it till…a while.” The pandemic has forced many of us into isolation, both physically and emotionally. Chandola notes that she “worked a lot in isolation” during the lockdowns. While some artists have thrived in isolation, others have struggled with the lack of social interaction and creative inspiration.

Chandola also highlights the importance of social connection, noting that

“you don’t realize how social you are even though you pretend not to be social.” The pandemic has made us acutely aware of our need for human connection and community.

As Chandola notes, “I think this is like the moment in history where the entire world…we’ve had this one thing…1 ordeal connecting us together.”

Creativity

The pandemic has also sparked creativity and innovation in many artists. Chandola notes that she “baked a lot” during the lockdowns and found inspiration in her isolated surroundings. Other artists have turned to digital platforms to showcase their work and connect with audiences.

Chandola also highlights the importance of creativity in times of crisis, noting that “we need to keep creating…it’s like a survival instinct.” The arts have the power to heal and inspire, even in the darkest of times. As Chandola notes, “I think that’s what art does, it connects us to our humanity.”

The Importance of Art in India

In India, the art world has traditionally been seen as elitist and inaccessible. However, the pandemic has created new opportunities for artists to showcase their work and connect with audiences. Chandola notes that she participated in her first art fair in 2020 and was excited to invite other artists to showcase their work as well. She also found success through social media and group shows, which allowed her to reach a wider audience.

Chandola also highlights the importance of collaboration and experimentation in the post-pandemic art world. She notes that she did a residency in a village where she collaborated with traditional miniature artists. This experience opened her up to a new art form and inspired her to create new works.

Chandola also discusses the evolving roles of insiders and outsiders in the art world and in society at large. She notes that she has felt like an outsider in both contexts at different times, but that she has a responsibility to reach out and support others who may feel the same way. As she notes,

“if I am an insider somewhere and there’s someone who’s an outside and I can reach that gap for them by giving them 1 hand, I will do that because I know what it feels like when I am an outsider and there’s nobody who’s giving me a handbook just giving me support.”

Gargi Chandola’s Work

Chandola’s work is inspired by her surroundings and experiences. She notes that her series featuring a monkey, a banana, and a woman was inspired by her daily interactions with monkeys in her jungle home.

The narrative of the series explores the struggle for power and resources, particularly in relation to masculine power and the protection of feminine power.

Chandola also incorporates sexual themes and humor in her work, believing that it is important to address the perverseness in all of us.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Learning

The pandemic has also had an impact on learning and education. Chandola notes that she had to shift to online learning during the pandemic, which was a different experience than learning in person. She also notes that learning actively in person with a guru is a different experience than learning online.

The Impact of Art on Society

Chandola notes the impact of art on society, stating that “art is a reflection of society.” She notes that artists have a responsibility to address social issues and to use their platform to create change. As she notes,

“we have to use our voice and our art to bring about change.”

Future Outlook

As we emerge from the pandemic, there is a sense of hope and uncertainty about the future. Chandola notes that “we haven’t come out the same” and that the pandemic has changed us in profound ways. The arts have a crucial role to play in shaping the future and helping us navigate the challenges ahead.

Chandola also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the post-pandemic world. As she notes,

“We need to come together…we need to collaborate and create something new.”

The pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the need for collective action.

Chandola’s success in showcasing her work through social media and group shows demonstrates the potential for democratization of the art world. As more nontraditional art buyers purchase works from younger artists, there is hope for a more equitable and accessible art world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the interconnectedness of our world and the need for collective action. Let us use the power of art to create a better future for all.

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