6 PILLARS
​
6 pillars define my approach to creating, presenting, and sharing art.
​
They reflect my belief that art is not just something to be seen but experienced—through authentic connections, immersive settings, and meaningful dialogue.
Each pillar captures a core aspect of how I engage with viewers, collaborators, and communities, ensuring that my work resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact.
1. The Role of the Artist in Communicating Their Art.
This is about how Jai’s intentions, emotions, and personal journey shape the way his work is communicated. It’s about how he expresses his vision, thoughts, and feelings behind each piece, while still leaving room for the viewer to engage and interpret it in their own way.
When it comes to the role of an artist in communicating their art, it really depends on what kind of art they’re creating. Some artists work abstractly, others create themed pieces, some express personal emotions, while others focus on reflecting culture, events, or society. There are artists who want to send a specific message, and some might create works that are inspired by popular figures or trends. It’s all about the art itself and the intention behind it.
​
For me, though, it was never about any of those things. The role of the artist in communication is crucial, especially when you want the audience to feel a deep, emotional connection. If there’s no depth in the art, then there’s no real depth to the experience—it’ll just be another pretty picture on the wall, nothing more. From the beginning, I’ve always been focused on communicating ideas. I’ve always wanted to express concepts, emotions, and feelings. My goal was to make people feel like they’re walking into the art, becoming part of it, or even witnessing it from within. I wanted it to be so captivating, expansive, and beautiful that it would spark curiosity and get people thinking. And from there, I hoped it would lead to some sort of exchange—where people would talk about it, share their opinions, and dive deeper into their own perspectives.
​
In the earlier days, when I didn’t have much confidence—no exposure, no proof that I was an artist, and no real experience in presenting my work—I had to let the art speak for itself. But as I poured my energy and story into the work, something shifted. Over time, as I gained confidence and experience, the art started to communicate my vision on a much bigger scale. It opened up space for interpretation and engagement, not just from the audience, but from myself too. And what’s amazing is how it all comes together—the art communicates my vision, but it also speaks to the time and personal experience behind it. Every time someone interacts with it, it feels like revisiting an old story, but through so many different eyes and perspectives.
So, for me, the art is the ultimate way to communicate.
2. The Curator Influences the Dialogue Between Art and Viewer.
Here, we look at Jai’s role as a curator—how he sets the right context for art to be experienced, from the space to the way it’s arranged and presented. We explore how Jai, as a curator, can guide the viewer’s experience without overpowering the message of the piece itself.
When it comes to curating, it really depends. If you’re talking about an independent curator or someone else explaining your work, which is what typically happens in most organized art exhibitions, the influence of the curator becomes huge. It’s not just about the artwork itself, but the setting—the gallery, the branding, the marketing, and even the expectations created before you step into the space. Think about the velvet ropes, the large rooms, the ticket price—these all set the stage. In a professionally curated art experience, all these elements shape how you see and feel the art. It’s like you already know what to expect before you even see it in person.
​
For me, it’s different. I’ve been lucky enough to step beyond the traditional gallery setup. I’ve had the chance to showcase my work at festivals, where art is surrounded by people. I’ve exhibited at events where the art is right in the middle of the crowd. At yoga festivals, I’ve even had my work projected onto the roof of a giant tent while people lie on the ground, becoming part of the experience. That’s the kind of immersive experience I’m after.
​
A professional curator can create space between the art and the viewer, sometimes over-complicating things with heavy descriptions and philosophical layers. It can make the message feel too complex and, honestly, a bit self-centered. That’s not how I work. I like to put the art directly in front of the people—let them see it, feel it, and experience it on their own terms. For me, the most important thing is the viewer’s perception of the art, not the dialogue between the art and the viewer.
​
Of course, the setting matters—it creates a certain atmosphere. But I’ve never been a fan of the conventional art world setups that don’t let people truly engage with the art. Often, there’s someone else interpreting it for you. But when I present my art, I’m always there. If I have help, they’re not just narrating the art; they understand it deeply and know how to make sure the viewer gets the most authentic experience possible.
3. Storytelling is Essential in the Communication of Art.
Storytelling is everything. We’re all telling stories, all the time. Our lives are stories. The way we behave, what we like, how we dress, how we eat—everything we do is a potential story. It’s how we communicate who we are, what we’re connected to, and how we see the world. Sometimes, we tell stories to grab attention, to inform, to inspire, or even to shift the way people see things. Outside of art, storytelling is essential—it’s one of the most powerful ways we express ourselves.
For me, storytelling is the key to bringing art to life. Every piece I’ve created has a story behind it, something real I’ve experienced. Take my BlueMendi collection, for example. Every artwork in that series comes from a moment in India—an experience that unfolded in front of me. India is such a vibrant, chaotic, supersensory place, especially when compared to my life in the UK, which is much more organized and, honestly, pretty normal. When I’m in India, my eyes are open to the unexpected, to stories that are happening all around me. I don’t just capture the aesthetic; I’m focused on the energy, the movement, the stories that are unfolding in front of me.
​
It’s like catching a snapshot of a moment where people are living their lives, all bringing their own stories, ideas, and energy into one space. Together, they create a single story, and it’s up to me as the artist to decide what part of that story is key. Sometimes, it’s one person who stands out, and I create the story around them. Other times, it could be a group of people, the ideology they represent, or even the location that tells the story. It’s not just the people or the art—it’s everything. It could even be the viewer who shapes the story.
​
In all my work, I try to look at it from different perspectives. Where does the story come from? Who’s telling it? Who’s asking the questions, and who’s finding the answers? Where does the story begin, and where does it end? I layer the story into every piece, weaving in subtle clues and nuances that make people think. We all view art through different filters, and I want my work to speak to as many of those filters as possible.
​
Storytelling isn’t just about the artist—it’s also about the viewer. The story the viewer creates when they experience the art is just as important as the one the artist tells. So, I put as many stories into my work as I can. I want people to see different things, depending on their own experiences and perceptions. A piece of art could represent sadness, joy, confusion, or something entirely different. It becomes a portal—a way for people to connect with their own stories through the art. And that’s the beauty of storytelling in art: it guides you into the work, leads you to a feeling or idea, and from there, you can take it and make it your own. The act of experiencing the art is the first part of the story, but how you use it in your life—that’s the next chapter.
4. The Role of the Viewer’s Curiosity in Understanding the Art.
The viewer’s curiosity and willingness to engage with the art are key. When the art captures someone’s attention, that’s when the magic happens. If something in the piece draws them in, it opens the door for a deeper, more expansive conversation. The more curious they are, the more they’ll want to know, and that means they’ll engage with the art on a whole different level.
Curiosity invites questions, and those questions help us see the art from different perspectives. The more information that flows, the better, because it means the viewer is connecting with something beyond just the surface. It’s about creating a space where people feel encouraged to think, feel, and even challenge their perceptions. Through this engagement, new ideas form, and the viewer becomes more aware—sometimes of themselves, sometimes of the art, but always of the subject at hand. It’s this kind of intentional engagement that makes art meaningful.
​
When we engage deeply, we become more conscious and open to other possibilities. It’s why, when we look at art, we should let it question us, provoke us, and even mesmerize us. For some people, that might not be their thing. They just want to look and move on. And that’s okay. But for me, the goal is to provoke curiosity, to make people stop, look, and think. I’ve had experiences where people just walk by, roll their eyes, and move on, but honestly, that’s pretty rare in my work. I intentionally create my art to make people want to engage, whether that’s through beauty, contrast, or relatability.
​
I create art that taps into what people know, but then I throw in a twist—something unusual, something that challenges their reality. It’s all about playing with the mind, with how we perceive things. Our brains are wired to recognize familiar patterns, and when you mix those with something unexpected, it sparks curiosity. People see something they think they know, but then something about it doesn’t fit, and they have to come closer. They want to ask questions. “I thought it was this, but now it looks like that. I’ve never seen this before!” That’s the moment I love—guiding people to what they already know, but giving them a new way to see it.
​
To make that happen, I need to understand a lot about how people think and perceive the world. I have to know what attracts them, what draws them in, and how to create contrasts that make them pause. There’s a fine line between the familiar and the unexpected, and I walk that line carefully in my work. It’s like blending fantasy with reality, and that’s where the fun begins.
When I present my work, I do it in a way that’s open, free-flowing, and approachable—almost childlike in its simplicity. This encourages people to come up, ask questions, and share their thoughts. It’s a two-way conversation. And that, for me, is the best part of the experience. It’s not just about what’s in the artwork; it’s about the story it sparks, the curiosity it ignites, and the dialogue it creates. It’s truly a fascinating and enjoyable process, and it never gets old.
5. The Setting & Presentation of Art Impact its Communication.
The environment in which art is displayed can deeply affect how it’s perceived. This pillar addresses the importance of setting, lighting, placement, and the overall atmosphere created during exhibitions or private viewings to enhance or even transform the experience of the art.
The setting and presentation of art completely redefine how people engage with it. I’ve always known that the way art is experienced isn’t just about the visual—it’s about the space, the energy, and the atmosphere that surrounds it. When someone steps into a space where my art is presented, they’re not just seeing an image, they’re entering a narrative, a sensory dialogue where every detail plays a role. The environment becomes part of the story—whether it’s the stillness and quiet of an intimate gallery space that invites contemplation or a dynamic, immersive setting where light, sound, and visuals merge to create an unforgettable encounter.
​
I’ve experimented with many ways of presenting art, from displaying framed works in unconventional settings like care homes and garages to designing fully immersive experiences with projection mapping and digital visuals that pull the viewer into the narrative. Each choice I make in presenting my work is intentional—how the lighting touches the canvas, how the placement draws the eye, and even how the energy of the room influences the mood. I want people to feel something beyond what they see, to sense the emotion and intention behind the work, and to let the setting itself guide them into a deeper connection with the piece.
​
This is why I’m passionate about pushing beyond traditional exhibition formats. I want to create spaces where viewers are not just observers but participants, where they can walk into the art, feel its essence, and even allow it to change them. Whether it’s a private, intimate showing where the energy is calm and reflective, or a large-scale immersive environment where the art becomes a living, breathing experience, the setting shapes the emotional and intellectual impact. When art is presented with this level of care and consideration, it transforms from something to be looked at into something to be felt and experienced—leaving a lasting impression long after the moment has passed.
6. Authenticity and Sincerity in Art Communication Foster Deeper Connections.
This final pillar reflects on how sincerity, both in Jai's work and the way it is communicated, establishes a meaningful connection. It looks at how authenticity in presentation—whether through Jai's words, emotions, or interactions—can build trust and foster a deeper, more intimate understanding between the art and its audience.
Authenticity and sincerity are essential to establishing deeper connections in art. The way an artist communicates their work—whether through words, emotions, or interactions—shapes how the viewer experiences and connects with the art. When authenticity is present, whether in the artist’s style, presentation, or expression, it invites a level of trust that fosters a more intimate understanding between the art and its audience.
​
For me, authenticity means showing up as I truly am—without a desire to manipulate or control the viewer's response. I’ve never felt the need to adapt my communication or presentation to make people feel a certain way. Yes, I may dress in extravagant clothing or communicate with a more exaggerated version of my personality at times, but these are simply extensions of who I am. My goal is to entertain, make people feel something, and share the love and passion I have for my art and life.
​
The true value of an artist’s authenticity lies in the consistency between their art, their communication, and who they are in everyday life. Whether I'm creating, presenting my work, or simply being, I aim to be the same person throughout. It's important to build relationships based on authenticity—so that others can see that the love I have for my work is real. When people experience my art, I want them to sense that energy, and in turn, feel inspired to be more creative and expressive in their own lives.
​
Ultimately, it’s all about energy. When there’s a true connection between the artist and the viewer, it transcends the usual experience of just looking at something on a wall. It invites the viewer into the artist’s world, allowing them to see the work through a lens of authenticity. This shared experience creates not only a stronger bond with the art but also a deeper connection with the artist themselves. Authenticity, in all its forms, is the key to building meaningful connections and fostering a space where both the artist and the viewer can grow.