Selected as India’s Inspirational Leader 2022 for Art & Culture, Pavani Nagpal is a young maverick artist who’s spellbinding art and themes have a mesmerising effect.
WCRCLEADERS ASIA in conversation with Pavani Nagpal.
Expressing her life and dreams through art, Pavani Nagpal is a young inspirational leaders who dreams to inspire the society with their heart touching and empowering canvases.
Years of working in the industry, your contribution reflects versatility and volubility. What has influenced your decision making process at various stages?
The influence has been my ‘real life’. I was raised by strong and loving parents so I always had the desire to achieve good things in life and make them proud. My way of expressing my emotions has always been through art, and throughout the phases of life that I experienced are all depicted on canvases.
An accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career?
I recently got to showcase my work at the India Art Festival and the response was beyond my imagination! Earlier I had mixed emotions, I had self doubt as it was my debut, but you know, the universe is there to support when your intent is pure. I received so much love! My collection got sold out pretty soon and most of my paintings now have a new home.
How do you integrate corporate philanthropy or corporate social responsibility as a part of your business strategies?
I do not really mix art with business. I come from a business family and we have always been very proactive in empowering women, voicing out social stigmas and when I myself became a victim of such issues post my marriage, I completely got my heart and soul in women empowerment.
What has been your driving force or philosophy in life?
Keep doing good, have pure intentions and the universe will help you, always! The more you shift your mindset from doubts to belief, the faster it will manifest.
What are the other philanthropic works you are involved in?
The section of society that I come from has a stigma attached to it that we only have a “good life”, nobody really cares to know or believe the hardships we face. People forget that we are humans too. And that is where I fit in, I want to be the voice for that society, I want to tell women through my art that they are enough! They do not need social validations.
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?
Simply knowing that people I work with talk good about me behind my back. They know I have nothing to hide.
A recent project or solution to a problem that you have made better, faster, smarter or less expensive?
Art world is all about luxury and still what I bring on my canvas is a solution! I work on social issues around women and my paintings aren’t meant only for the high-class, anyone who has the same taste can afford it.
In your opinion what is the most significant aspect of leadership?
To remain optimistic even during the darkest days of your life. There is always light behind the tunnel.
Your perception of an empowered society. How far your industry has / can contribute for the same?
Empowered society brings equality for all the genders! My industry accepts talent, it has no room for discrimination and I love that.
Any industry trend that you think you will bring first.
Chalking out the real world lies in all phases of a woman’s life. Women adapt to a lot of things in their lives. Starting from body image issues to abusive husband and in-laws. We are made to believe that the real world demands too many adjustments and the virtue of a good woman is to be submissive. I completely reject this thought process. Women are not meant to be judged for their decisions or whatever steps they take in life. They should be empowered enough to know that nothing comes before their self respect! Living a life of acceptance for who you are and how you want to lead your life in on you and that’s all!
PERSONAL GRID
One thing you wish to change and one thing you wish to retain about your industry?
Change: Give a chance to young society and welcome fresh perspective, new talent. Of course the masters will remain at the top but we need to build space for new talent.
Retain: The love for experimenting, creating something new, out of the box and taking inspirations from the masters. It can never go wrong! Art has no right or wrong, it is simply how you can perceive it.
One thing you have to let go off as an entrepreneur/leader?
My comfort zone. Everyday is a new challenge, sometimes I am overwhelmed sometimes it gets me excited! I love it. All these responsibilities are very new to me, I still do not take them as a challenge, the doors are slowly getting open to me from all the directions, I am grateful to have so many opportunities flowing to me after the hardships.
Whom do you owe your success to?
My parents and my mentor. They have been my constant and biggest supporters. Their presence means the world to me, the ability to exhibit emotions comes from the values I have received from my family. They always encouraged me to do what I like, speak what I think is right for me and guide me throughout.
Best thing about your job?
I get to express my emotions out. It is therapeutic. Art is an expression, it has no boundaries! I can experiment so much with my styles to tell you the same story multiple times and every-time it will be fresh. This is the quality of painting your thoughts and emotions out in canvases, it awaits magic to happen.
A message from you to all the future entrepreneurs/leaders?
If you have a thought to represent, get vocal and do it! Don’t be scared of society and judgemental people. Just follow your heart, it might take some time but you will flourish.
