Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jasbir Saggu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jasbir, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I have been painting and scribbling for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until a motorbike ride across the Himalayas that I felt a special connection to space – the enormous mountain ranges, the infinite skies, the deep waters. During this trip into the vastness of the universe, I believe I had an out-of-body experience and was looking at an ”amazed me” surrounded by a blissful view.
This epiphany transformed me into the artist I am today, able to see a multitude of layers in every facet of life, whether natural or urban; they became my inspiration. The layers, space and depth in my art represent the different dimensions in each of our lives as we move through experiences, relationships and emotions.
My work is a creative outlet to explore those feelings through ”Altered States” as I call them – which has now become my raison d’être.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a self-taught Indian contemporary artist based in Dubai. My art is exhibited in the UAE and in private collections worldwide.
My compositions combine the physicality of action painting with fluid gestures and liquid glaze. Splatter and drips are used to convey motion. Paint runs through the gamut from thick to thin where liquid pools of colour, directional lines, and translucent orbs coexist. I work mainly in oils for their exceptional properties, solidity, lustre, depth, and transparency, which make outstanding glazes.
My art is created in an uninhibited process, using various techniques and experimenting with different materials. The picture thus develops in multiple layers with pentimenti peeking through. I constantly strive to show space and depth by taking viewers on a journey in and out of these layers and back to the surface, leading to a grand finale.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Appreciation:
As an artist based in Dubai with Indian roots, navigating the intersection of diverse cultures has been crucial. Understanding and appreciating the nuances of different cultural backgrounds have allowed me to create artwork that resonates with a global audience. My advice to those starting their journey is to actively immerse themselves in various cultural experiences, fostering an open-minded approach that enriches their artistic expression.
Adaptability and technical mastery:
The contemporary art scene is ever-evolving, and embracing advancements has been essential for my artistic growth. Developing skills in various art tools, materials and mediums has given me a competitive edge. Early-career artists should proactively explore new techniques, experiment with new mediums, and stay flexible in their artistic approach to remain relevant in a dynamic art landscape. We are truly lucky to live in an era where knowledge is so easily accessible.
Business Acumen and Marketing:
Beyond creating art, understanding the business side of the art industry has significantly impacted my journey. Building strong networking skills, establishing connections within the art community, and developing a digital-first marketing approach have been instrumental. To those starting out, I recommend actively participating in art events, collaborating with fellow artists, and gaining insights into the business aspects of the art world. Being active on social media and having an established online presence is crucial in today’s times.
If I have one other skill to highlight, I would choose PERSISTENCE. Being an artist is NOT easy, with several ups and downs. You have to consistently make time for learning, experimenting and marketing activities. Nothing comes easy in life, and however ‘fancy’ it might sound, it IS tough work.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I am always open to collaboration and partnership opportunities with individuals and organizations who share a passion for art and creativity. My goal is to establish my brand as an artist through diverse collaborations that transcend boundaries. I am particularly interested in partnering with:
Designer brands; where I am able to talk to a new audience who may have not been familiar with abstract art. I would truly like my art to be made more approachable and relatable to a wider audience, and I believe that this could be made possible by partnering with designers/ niche brands where we will together be able to create a sense of exclusivity and rarity around the signature styles we together develop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jasbirsaggu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jas_expressions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jasbir-Saggu/pfbid02tF5iuBksC64sbKzusr3NKicjy5Z5nvDzMuMgYWHjLz5a1QP7kycog3DBLsvjfC6hl/
Image Credits
Jasbir Saggu – all original works
