Revantika Gupta

Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Revantika has always been passionately involved with the arts (either as an artist, curator, organiser or audience), and believes in its power to engage with, challenge and re-tell important truths of society. She is interested in creating projects that encourage identity and community empowerment, as well as equitable development. Her training in dance (12 years in Jazz, Indian classical, House and Old-school) and experience in staged theatre inform her practice and voyeur.

After completing her under-graduation in Economics from the University of Delhi, Revantika completed a 3-month internship with the UN migration agency-IOM. Post that, she worked with the St+art India Foundation (a not-for-profit creating public art projects in India) as their Project Co-ordinator for 2 years, heading mammoth projects such as the Maqtha Art District and Sassoon Dock Art Project. 

What drew you to the MA Arts Politics program?

I want to study the role of art in the discourse of social, cultural, and political concerns, and understand its relevance in society. This programme brings together these articulations in a very cohesive manner. Furthermore, I was drawn to the faculty who apart from academicians are activists, artists and practicing curators themselves. The city of New York, having historically been a site of activism in every form, also lends an added character to the charm of the course, wherein once you step out of class you would be able to experience the living manifestations of the many philosophies discussed in class.

At the present time, we are facing multiple grave crises and hence I feel it becomes essential to view different forms of expression through a critical and holistic lens. Independent artistic acts lend us clues about the gravitas of the present living order, as well as opportunities to navigate through these difficult times. I am keen on developing meaningful, conscientious and relevant art practices, and I feel this course will provide me with the tools to do so.