Jeena Raghavan's artistic practice is a vivid exploration of the cultural tapestry that has shaped her life. Born in England and raised in India from the age of six, she later found herself in the bustling art world of New York City. This journey, from her early childhood in India to her formal training at the Parsons School of Design, serves as the foundation of her work, which frequently delves into themes of identity, belonging, and self-reflection.
Her passion for art emerged early, leading to her first exhibition at just 13 years old in London. The series of paintings centered around the Indian deity Ganesha not only marked her debut but also highlighted her philanthropic spirit, as the proceeds were donated to charity. This formative experience set the tone for a lifelong dedication to using art as a means of personal and cultural expression.
Raghavan’s paintings are known for their vibrant color palettes and intricate patterns, employing both figurative and abstract elements. Each work is a reflection of her personal experiences, often functioning as self-portraits that capture specific moments from her life. In particular, her pieces explore the complexities of living as a young Indian woman in New York City, balancing the challenges of a new environment while maintaining a connection to her cultural roots.
A unique aspect of her work is the recurring theme of flora and fauna. Raghavan draws parallels between human and animal behavior, finding inspiration in the unfiltered ways animals express emotion. Her use of animals such as foxes, bulls, and horses serves as a metaphorical exploration of her own experiences, adding layers of meaning to her compositions. These vivid depictions, combined with abstract, richly textured backgrounds, invite viewers to engage with her work on both an emotional and intellectual level.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Raghavan’s artistic approach is her deep exploration of the psychological connections between humans and animals. Her fascination with the raw and instinctive ways in which animals express emotion has become a recurring theme in her work. In her paintings, creatures such as foxes, bulls, and horses are depicted not merely as symbols but as reflections of her inner emotional states. These animals, known for their strength, grace, and survival instincts, embody different aspects of human nature, adding a layer of complexity to her work that prompts viewers to consider their own emotional landscapes. Through her depiction of these creatures, Raghavan delves into themes of vulnerability, power, and resilience, exploring the tensions between instinct and intellect, survival and introspection.
Her journey as an artist reflects not only her technical prowess but also her ability to blend the personal with the universal. Raghavan’s work transcends cultural barriers, as she taps into the shared human experience of seeking identity, connection, and understanding in a rapidly changing world. Her use of vivid color palettes, abstract forms, and detailed patterns allows her to express the nuances of her multicultural background, while her figurative imagery, particularly her depictions of animals, grounds her work in a deep emotional and psychological context.
Raghavan’s impact on the art world is undeniable. Over the past year alone, she has participated in 16 exhibitions across New York City, with additional showcases in Madrid. Also, she has some shows scheduled in NYC latter half of next year. Her art has been displayed in prestigious galleries, including Santana Art Gallery in Spain, Prive in NYC, Revelation Gallery, and Landmark Art Space. A standout achievement was having one of her pieces displayed at the Indian Consulate in New York, a testament to her growing influence in both the local and international art scenes.
Jeena Raghavan continues to push boundaries, blending her multicultural influences with a deeply personal narrative. Through her work, she invites viewers to reflect on their own identities and the shared experiences that connect us all.
Artist Q&A with OA
When did you start as an artist? Where did you start out?
My journey as an artist began when I was six, drawing with my first sketchbook and crayons in Holland Park, London. My mom encouraged me, even letting me draw on the walls at home, which fueled my passion for art. By the time I was 13, I had my first solo show in London, where I exhibited 30 paintings based on the Indian deity Ganesha and donated half of the proceeds to charity.
As I grew up, moving to India deepened my connection with color and culture, and I continued painting throughout my teenage years. Eventually, I knew I wanted to take my passion further, so I applied to Parsons School of Design in New York. It was in New York where I truly established myself as an artist, refining my style and gaining recognition through exhibitions and gallery shows. New York’s energy really pushed me to develop my career at a professional level.
What was your main source of inspiration to pursue a career in art?
My deep love for colors and the need to express myself creatively. I’ve always been drawn to visual imagery, often doodling and sketching on my school notebooks. I admired great artists and their ability to communicate complex emotions through color and composition, creating some worlds that don’t exist in reality. The idea of conveying something fantastical and dreamlike has always engaged me, driving my passion for exploring the limitless possibilities of art.
Do you have a distinct style or theme in your work? If so, how would you describe it?
Yes, I definitely think I have a distinct style. I would say it can be described as figurative abstraction, where I focus on textures and vibrant colors that communicate different temperaments and environments. I often use bright hues and surreal compositions, drawing inspiration from my multicultural background and experiences in both London and India. My art explores themes of flora and fauna, delving into the emotional connections between humans and animals. Overall, I like to blend fantasy with a touch of realism, inviting viewers into a dreamlike world that has elements that are not perfect but are communicating deep complex emotions and messages.
What was your main source of inspiration to pursue a career in art?
I really look up to artists like Salvador Dalí, Kandinsky, Picasso, Gerard Richter and Rene Magritte. Their surreal styles and use of colors really inspire me. Growing up, my parents would take me to museums and galleries, which made me fall in love with paintings even more than I already was.
What are some of the most recent exhibitions or shows you’ve participated in?
Over the past year, I’ve had 16 exhibitions in New York City, showcasing my work in various galleries and some event spaces.. Notable venues include Santana Art Gallery in Spain, Prive in NYC, Revelation Gallery, and Landmark Art Space. I also had the opportunity to display my art at the Indian Consulate in New York during an Indiaspora event, where I shared the space with some incredible figures like Indira Nooyi. Looking ahead, I have a few shows scheduled in Manhattan for the rest of the year and some shows lined up in India.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future? I’m currently working on my extended series Jenesis: The Original Abstraction, which delves into themes of flora, fauna, and the deep connections between humans, animals, and the natural world. I’m in the process of completing several new pieces for this series. In terms of upcoming shows, I have exhibitions lined up in New York City this November and January, followed by a show in India at the end of January. These projects allow me to further explore the emotional and aesthetic interplay between nature and abstraction in my work. How can people stay updated on your latest work and follow your journey? People can stay updated on my latest work and follow my journey by visiting my website, jeenaraghavan.com, or following me on Instagram at @jeeninabottle, where I regularly post new pieces, exhibition updates, and some behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process.
