In this episode of I Love Your Stories, Hava Gurevich speaks with Mumbai-based artist, historian, curator and entrepreneur Dr Archana Srivastava about a creative journey shaped by Indian history, philosophy, spirituality and cultural tradition.

Dr Archana shares how she began drawing on walls, tables and the final pages of her school notebooks before studying Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology. She reflects on becoming a self-taught professional artist, holding her first solo exhibition in Mumbai in 1999 and developing a figurative style rooted in spiritual ideas.

The conversation explores how Dr Archana translates ancient wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic philosophy into a contemporary visual language. She explains why cultural traditions must be preserved and presented in ways that younger generations can understand, including through works such as The Caged Bird.

Dr Archana also discusses founding ArtSage to support Indian traditional, tribal and folk artists during the pandemic, as well as establishing Le Tresor, a contemporary art gallery in Mumbai. She shares her thoughts on supporting emerging artists, making art galleries more accessible, moving from painting into three-dimensional installations and remaining authentic rather than following artistic trends.

Artist website: https://archanasrivastava.com/ 
Les Tresors Art Gallery:https://lestresors.in/

*Shownotes*
Growing up surrounded by art and learning from her mother and elder sister
Sketching on walls, tables and the final pages of history notebooks
Choosing to study Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
How spiritual magazines and imagery influenced her artistic direction
Using figures, forms, colours and visual storytelling to communicate deeper ideas
Translating the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic philosophy into contemporary art
Why preserving history and culture helps people maintain their roots
Connecting ancient wisdom with younger and digitally focused generations
Founding ArtSage during the pandemic to support traditional, tribal and folk artists
Why some traditional Indian art forms are at risk of disappearing
Establishing Le Tresor to support contemporary Indian artists
Showcasing Indian masters, established artists and emerging voices
Defining success through making a positive impact
Why young artists should remain authentic and avoid chasing trends
Expanding from two-dimensional paintings into installations
The importance of developing an appreciation for visual and performing art
Making galleries less intimidating and allowing more people to experience art
How exposure can lead to awareness, appreciation and the empowerment of art