To those who Dare to Create,
Ah, the New Year. A bittersweet cocktail of hope and dread, served on a tray of freshly-minted resolutions. Doesn’t it feel like standing before a blank canvas—its emptiness both exhilarating and intimidating? You’re itching to make the first mark, yet paralyzed by the question: What if I ruin it?
I’ll let you in on a secret: you will make mistakes, and that’s the point. The first draft of greatness is rarely tidy. It’s messy, it’s raw, and, above all, it’s human.
Yet, let’s admit it—January has its quirks. It’s not just a clean slate; it’s also a stark, white canvas. Thrilling? Yes. But also daunting, isn’t it? The excitement of the unknown can tangle with the quiet dread of “what if.” What if I fall short? What if the colors smear instead of blend? But you know what? That’s exactly where the magic lies—within the tension of uncertainty.
With the arrival of 2025, we find ourselves at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation. This is the moment when the weight of the past meets the potential of the future. What do you carry forward? What do you leave behind? These aren’t just rhetorical musings; they’re the foundations of how we move into a new chapter—both as individuals and as a community.
Let’s not sugarcoat it. The start of a new year comes with its own set of contradictions. It offers hope, yes, but also brings an undercurrent of doubt. Can I live up to my ambitions? Am I chasing the right goals? These questions aren’t signs of insecurity; they’re proof that you’re willing to stretch beyond the familiar.
The dawn of a new year feels like standing at the edge of a vast, untamed wilderness. The path ahead is unmarked, shaped only by the choices we dare to make. Do you feel it? That quiet hum of possibilities paired with the persistent murmur of doubt? It’s the duality of beginnings—an invitation to create, shadowed by the fear of falling short.
But let me ask you this: What if the unease is part of the process? What if the questions we shy away from are the ones that hold the key to transformation? This isn’t the time to rush into resolutions or glossy plans. It’s the time to pause, reflect, and embrace a strategy that balances clarity with action.
This brings me to the OAK formula, my go-to method for tackling the unknown with purpose and clarity. It begins with asking three critical questions:
Outcome: What is the one result I truly want this year?
Action: What specific steps will move me closer to it?
Knowledge: What do I need to learn or understand better to bridge the gap?
Let’s explore these, starting with my perspective at Rad Art Media and how they translate into an artist’s journey:
Outcome
What is the legacy you want to build, and how does it reshape the world you inhabit?
For me, at Rad Art Media, the outcome is transformative: empowering artists to take charge of their careers. This isn’t just about teaching them how to approach galleries or make sales—it’s about instilling self-reliance. I want them to connect with buyers, grow authentically on social media, and, most importantly, gain clarity about their paths as artists. Too often, I meet creators who pursue art because they’ve been told they’re “good at drawing.” But art isn’t merely a skill; it’s a voice. My goal is to help artists discover their style, build a niche, and navigate their careers with intent.
Simultaneously, this year is about cementing Rad Art Media as South Asia’s leading agency for Artist Consultation, Management, and Marketing. Our purpose is to pioneer a culture where artists aren’t just creators but strategists of their futures.
For artists: What do you truly want to achieve in your art career? Is it securing representation from a respected gallery, growing your collector base, or building a cohesive body of work? Maybe it’s all three. The key is to be specific. A vague desire to “make it big” will only dilute your energy. Start by asking yourself: “What is the one milestone that would transform my practice this year?” Your outcome should reflect not just where you want to be, but who you want to become in the process.
Action
What deliberate steps will you take today to ensure your outcome takes shape?
For Rad Art, action means translating lofty ambitions into tangible progress. This year, I’m focusing on workshops, consultations, and resources that equip artists with tools to thrive. These actions include:
Hosting sessions on how to pitch to galleries, negotiate sales, and connect with buyers without feeling overwhelmed.
Building a repository of guides and templates for artists—from pricing strategies to creating authentic portfolios.
Strengthening Rad Art’s online presence to amplify our reach and connect with a broader network of artists and collectors.
For artists: Your actions must align with the clarity you seek. Is your next step to refine your portfolio? To network with gallery owners? Or to identify what makes your art distinct? Action doesn’t demand perfection; it requires persistence. Stop hesitating over the “perfect timing”—start now, even if it’s a single step forward.
Knowledge
What gaps in understanding are preventing you from reaching your goals, and how will you address them?
Knowledge is the bridge between ambition and reality. At Rad Art, we are actively addressing our own knowledge gaps. I’m signing up for a couple of courses this year to deepen my understanding of the Art Economy, focusing on market dynamics and strategies to better support artists. Additionally, our team is in the process of creating a comprehensive set of resources for artists, including guides, templates, and practical insights, scheduled to launch this March.
For artists: What do you need to learn to get closer to your outcome? It could be mastering the art of pricing your work, understanding collector psychology, or simply learning how to tell your story more effectively. The knowledge gap is not a flaw—it’s a doorway. Your growth depends on your willingness to walk through it. Ignoring these gaps only delays progress. Be curious. Be relentless. Ask yourself: “What one thing can I learn today that will make tomorrow’s decisions easier?”
The OAK formula isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset. It invites you to design, act, and evolve with intention. So, as you navigate 2025, ask yourself: What is your OAK, and are you ready to let it grow into a legacy?
Now that we've laid out the OAK formula and how it helps bring clarity and direction to your art career, it’s time to see these principles in action. One such opportunity to witness the art world in its full force is Mumbai Gallery Weekend (MGW). It's where galleries come alive with fresh energy, and artists can dive into an ocean of inspiration and connection.
Since its inception, MGW has grown into a cornerstone event in Mumbai’s cultural calendar, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists. It's a chance to witness the city’s vibrant art scene come to life and engage with it in a meaningful way. And Mumbai, with its dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, stands at the heart of South Asia’s art ecosystem, drawing creative minds from across the globe.
What is Mumbai Gallery Weekend?
For those unfamiliar, MGW is an annual four-day event where Mumbai’s leading galleries present their most compelling exhibitions. It’s not just an art showcase—it’s a platform for engagement, conversation, and inspiration. With curated art walks, talks, and solo shows, it offers a unique window into the diverse currents shaping contemporary art.
MGW 2025 Highlights
This year’s lineup features a stunning array of solo exhibitions and collaborations. I’m sharing with you a selection of shows that I am personally looking forward too and won’t miss at all.
Tao Art Gallery: Viraj Khanna’s explorations of identity.
Tarq: Soghra Khurasani’s emotive and layered narratives.
Chemould Prescott Road: Atul Dodiya’s boundary-pushing works.
Akara Contemporary: Sathi Guin's thought-bending sculptures
Galerie ISA: Santiago Giralda’s textured creations.
Gallery Maskara: T Venkanna’s provocative storytelling.
Galeria Mirchandani + Steinruecke: Kulpreet Singh’s bold expression.
XXL Gallery: debut solo exhibition of Aravani Art Project
Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art: A dynamic collaboration with architect Pinakin and gallery artists.
Sakshi Gallery: Exemplary artists Shobha Broota, Revati Sharma Singh Ganesh Gohain and others
Art Musings: A stellar lineup featuring Anjolie Ela Menon, Sakti Burman, Paresh Maity, Jayasri Burman, Shilo Shiv Suleman among others.
Add to this a packed schedule of art walks and talks, and MGW becomes the perfect launchpad for inspiration and growth.
For complete details about Mumbai Gallery Weekend 2025, click here
But MGW isn’t just about the shows—it’s about the conversations, the serendipitous connections, and the inspirations born in those gallery spaces. Art walks and talks add another layer of engagement, making this event an unmissable experience for anyone immersed in the art world.
5 Practical Tips for Artists to Make the Most of Mumbai Gallery Weekend 2025
Plan Your Visits
Review the schedule and prioritise shows that align with your interests or practice. This ensures you maximize your time and energy. Wear sneakers and carry energy bars or nuts. Stay hydrated to ensure your brain is awake throughout.
Observe and Learn
Pay attention to how artists are presented. From their biographies to the themes in their work—these insights can inform how you position yourself in your career.
Engage, Don’t Just Attend
Introduce yourself to gallery staff or artists present. A genuine question or thoughtful observation can leave a lasting impression. Don’t start pitching your work directly, focus on building a relationship with the gallery.
Document and Reflect
Take notes or photos (if allowed) to capture ideas that resonate. Ask the artist for a coffee and discuss in detail with the ones that truly inspire you. Post-event reflection can turn these moments into actionable inspiration.
Follow Up Thoughtfully
After the event, send a message or email to anyone you connected with. Share how the conversation inspired you, but keep it concise and meaningful. Sort out a way to keep in touch perpetually.
MGW is more than an event—it’s an ecosystem of opportunities. Approach it not just as an attendee but as a learner and participant in the art world’s ever-evolving narrative.
As the city hums with the vibrant energy of Mumbai Gallery Weekend, it serves as a reminder that the art world isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being understood, connecting with the right people, and having the clarity to seize every opportunity. Among the artists who embody this, Bhavna Sheth stands out—not just for her distinctive pointillist technique but for the way she has seamlessly navigated the labyrinth of the art world, making her own space in it. Additionally, Bhavna was selected to be part of Rad Art Media’s MGW 2024 show, ‘Clean Slate’, at Gallery Jamaat, marking yet another milestone in her journey as an artist.
Bhavna has been with Rad Art for over a year now, and in that time, we've had the privilege of helping her elevate her practice in ways that extend beyond just gallery exhibitions. Her work has sold, yes, but more importantly, she has grown into the kind of artist who doesn’t just create; she cultivates relationships with collectors and curators, aligning herself with the industry on her own terms. And then came the WADE Asia Award 2024, where Bhavna’s paintings Santushti and Subak received the Painting in Excellence honor—proof that when the mind is free to create without the weight of business burdens, magic happens.
But it’s not always about awards. Take her recent commission, Sahil, for instance. Commissioned work often carries the weight of expectations, not only from the client but from the artist themselves. How do you remain true to your voice while meeting someone else’s vision? This is where the alchemy of collaboration comes in. Through thoughtful brainstorming, we helped Bhavna clarify her concept for Sahil, ensuring that it was infused with her signature style while also serving the unique narrative the client envisioned. This was not simply about executing a brief—it was about creating a dialogue between the artist and the art, a process that was as much about personal growth as it was about professional achievement.
The commission itself was just one part of the equation. With Rad Art, Bhavna navigated the labyrinth of pricing, packaging, and documentation without breaking a sweat. We provided her with the tools to present her work with confidence—right from defining her pricing structure to drafting a concept note that captured the essence of Sahil in a way that resonated with her client. No stone was left unturned. We took care of the business aspect, so she could focus on her passion.
Bhavna’s journey, from gallery shows to award-winning works, shows that success in the art world is far from an accident. It’s the result of careful strategy, a deep understanding of your own voice, and the ability to navigate both the creative and practical elements of being an artist. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of creating—often, the hard part is ensuring that your work is recognized in the right spaces by the right people. It’s about finding that delicate balance between staying true to your art and building relationships that empower your growth.
But how do you ensure your art is seen, heard, and understood in the vast ecosystem of galleries, collectors, and curators? How do you make sure you’re not just another brushstroke in the crowd but a voice that stands out with clarity and purpose? At Rad Art, we believe in Connecting the Dots—art, artist, and audience. We help you weave these three elements into a cohesive narrative that doesn’t just position you for success, but sets you up for longevity in the industry.
This isn’t just about making sales or being featured in shows. It’s about carving your niche, making strategic decisions that align with your vision, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the gallery walls. With Rad Art’s Artist Consultation, Marketing, and Management services, we offer guidance in navigating the complexities of the art world, from setting appropriate pricing to positioning your work for gallery shows, creating a personal brand, and managing client relationships. We’re here to help you take your art to the next level, ensuring your presence in the art world is impactful and sustainable.
If you're ready to turn your art into a legacy—one that speaks to audiences, builds lasting relationships, and leaves a meaningful impact on the world—let’s connect. Reach out to me at +91 9309182483, and let's chart a course for your artistic success.
With that said, I leave you to ponder: Do you have the 3Cs—Clarity, Capacity, and Commitment—to stop dabbling and start owning your place in the art world?
Until next week, may your art challenge the rules, and your doubts become yesterday’s muse.