With an academic background in marine biology, Sushma Sabnis made a rare and courageous shift from science to the arts, choosing to follow her long-standing passion for painting and writing. Over the past few decades, she has emerged as an influential figure in India’s contemporary art landscape, seamlessly balancing the roles of artist, writer, curator, and mentor.

Sushma has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across major art hubs such as Mumbai and Delhi. She is also the founder of Advaita, a curated platform that brought together young contemporary artists through a series of thoughtfully conceived exhibitions. Since 2012, she has dedicated herself to full-time art writing, contributing essays, reviews, interviews, and features to leading art journals including Art & Deal, Creative Minds, and Arts Illustrated, along with several prominent newspapers.

Her editorial journey includes serving as a contributing editor to CartAnArt and editing online art platforms such as The Art Daily and Art Tehelka. Through her writing, she has authored numerous catalogue essays, forewords, and artist profiles, playing a significant role in introducing and supporting emerging Indian artists. Beyond writing, she has guided artists in developing content for websites and proposals for international grants and residencies.

Sushma has also been actively involved in curatorial and institutional work, assisting in high-profile art fairs, biennales, and large-scale art projects across India. In 2021, she curated Under His I, her first all-women online exhibition, presenting 15 female voices in contemporary art on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Currently based in Mumbai, Sushma Sabnis continues to work as a communications coordinator and art consultant for various art initiatives, dealers, and organisations, contributing meaningfully to India’s vibrant and evolving art ecosystem.

Reference: artehelka.wordpress.com