Inside Radhika Gupta-Buckley’s Creative Journey with Indian Roots

Radhika Gupta-Buckley is a talented artist based in New York with deep ties to India. She shares her journey from being a successful lawyer to a full-time artist in this interview. Radhika’s work, especially her “Faces of India” series, showcases India’s rich and diverse culture while tackling significant issues like gender inequality and prejudice. She shares how her background in law influences her art and how she uses it to challenge stereotypes and start important conversations. Radhika also talks about her challenges as a woman artist and heard some of her most memorable reactions to her work. Her story shows how art can cross cultural barriers and make a real impact.

Radhika Gupta-Buckley is a New York-based artist of Indian origin whose work reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences and personal experiences. Drawing inspiration from Indian art history, she weaves bold patterns, vibrant colors, and evocative moods into her portraits. Her art transcends boundaries, serving as a powerful voice for the silenced and oppressed while exploring the complexities of the human condition. Through her distinctive style, Gupta-Buckley seeks to tell stories that resonate across cultures and elevate the unspoken narratives of those often overlooked.

1. Radhika, you went from being a successful lawyer to a full-time artist. What made you decide to make this change, and how do your experiences as a lawyer show up in your art?

Though I’ve been painting since I was six, my early career took a different path. I earned a Law Degree from Oxford, which led me to practice law at the Indian Supreme Court and later at the UN in The Hague. Despite the prestige of these roles, I often found myself frustrated by the bureaucratic barriers that hindered real change, mainly when it came to addressing injustice. Eventually, I returned to art—a medium that allows me to inform, educate, and enlighten on cultural issues like equality, gender bias, sexuality, race, and prejudice across nations and cultures.

My mission as an artist—and in life—is twofold: to remain authentic to my story and to create work that is meaningful, thoughtful, and necessary.

Radhika Gupta-Buckley

2.“Faces of India” celebrates the diversity and emotions of your homeland. How do you choose the subjects of these paintings, and what message do you want to share through their stories?

My mission as an artist—and in life—is to remain authentic to my story and to create meaningful, thoughtful, and necessary work. Over the years, I have consciously cultivated an Indian aesthetic in my art. Yet, while my subjects are often rooted in Indian culture, I aim to offer a glimpse into universal experiences, whether it’s women’s rights, sexual freedom, gender bias, or prejudice across cultures. Through this lens, I hope to bridge cultural boundaries and spark important conversations.

3. Your art often discusses issues like equality, gender bias, and prejudice. How do you handle these critical topics in your work, and what do you hope people take away from it?

The Indian story, often seen in my work, is rich and complex. Yet, under the Western gaze, it is often reduced to a land of exoticism and tragedy—filled with dingy slums, levitating holy men, and barefoot children on train tracks. This reductive view, shaped by media stereotypes and a desire to preserve Western hegemony, obscures the true diversity and dynamism of India. My work challenges this enduring stereotype. By staying authentic to my story, I present India as a vibrant society with a powerful internal dynamic whose influence is increasingly felt on the global stage. I aim to dismantle these narrow perceptions through my art and offer a more nuanced understanding.

4. As a woman in the arts, have you faced any specific obstacles or stereotypes, and how have you overcome them?

Obstacles and stereotypes exist in every field, and the arts are no exception. Knowing the right people might make the path more accessible, but anything handed to us is never truly earned. I face barriers daily—whether it’s battling personal doubt or navigating the complexities of the industry. I overcome these challenges by staying focused on my work, believing in its value, and remaining defiant in the face of setbacks. It’s about pushing forward with conviction, trusting that my work and vision not only matter but will ultimately create the impact they’re meant to.

My subjects are often rooted in Indian culture, my aim is to offer a glimpse into universal experiences, whether it’s women’s rights, sexual freedom, gender bias, or prejudice across cultures.

Radhika Gupta-Buckley

5. In “Technicolor Dream,” you want people to forget their worries and get involved in your stories. How do you mix creating beauty and joy with making people think deeply about your art?

Coming from India, color and pattern are woven into the fabric of daily life. I grew up seeing my mother adorned in exquisite silk sarees and boldly patterned fabrics as she navigated her everyday routines. India’s vibrant, celebratory culture greatly emphasises dressing up, and this tradition has become an intrinsic part of my identity. This sense of ‘joie de vivre’ infuses my creative work. I use bold colors and patterns to create beauty and joy and tell stories about a complex and dynamic society. Through my art, I aim to engage viewers on both a visual and intellectual level, inviting them to appreciate the vibrancy of my heritage while reflecting on its broader implications on the world stage.

6. You’ve shown your art all over the world. How do different cultures react to your work, and what are some of the most memorable responses you’ve received?

Good question. Honestly, my son’s reactions are the most memorable and meaningful to me. His confusion, excitement about the colors, and bemusement with the characters are always both funny and rewarding. These moments remind me of the pure, unfiltered responses that art can evoke, regardless of cultural background. They highlight the universal connection that art can create, transcending boundaries and sparking joy and curiosity in unexpected ways.

Radhika Gupta-Buckley’s move from law to art highlights her dedication to using creativity to make a difference. Her vibrant and thoughtful work not only showcases the rich culture of India but also tackles critical social issues. Through her colorful and bold art, Radhika encourages viewers to think deeply and see the world from new perspectives. To learn more about Radhika, click the following links to visit her profile.