An Inspirational Interview

Sujata Tibrewala is an extraordinary artist who creates insightful and profound narrative paintings that reflect human experience. She is a self-described “eco-feminist artist, teaching artist, and community leader whose work explores cycles of oppression, ecology, and spirituality.”

Sujata is also the Founder of the Indian American Artists Association (IAAA). Its purpose is: “to provide fund-raising and financial support for the arts programs, to promote and uplift Indian American artists, their art activities, and to raise community awareness of the Indian arts through art education.”

In recognition of Sujata’s selfless commitment to serve a higher purpose I have inducted her into The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS “World Changers”.

It is an honor and pleasure to share this inspirational interview with Sujata. I know reading it will enrich your life and perhaps inspire you to follow her lead as a “World Changer” and become a member and/or supporter of IAAA.

Editor’s Note:”Membership to IAAA is open to any self-identified artists from the Indian subcontinent, who work in visual mediums to create 2D/3D art such as painting, sketching, sculpture, digital art, photography, video art or mixed media (or a combination), who wish to actively support the goals of the of IAAA in promoting arts and artist from the Indian subcontinent.”

As the curator of the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2026 Online Exhibition I selected Sujata’s painting “Plastic Surgery”, shown above. I was impressed by how eloquently she expressed her personal perspective and conveyed a meaningful message for viewers.

Sujata, how does IAAA serve the artists of Indian origin in America?

Sujata: IAAA has a mission to move Indian-origin artists from the margins of the creative economy into the mainstream American art scene. Here are some ways we do it:

Professional Platforms and Visibility: We organize high-profile group exhibitions, such as “Kala: Confluence of Art,” “Unity in Diversity,” and “One Voice: Many Visions,” which allow our members to showcase their work in reputable galleries like the Village Theatre Art Gallery in Danville. These shows help artists navigate their dual identities, fusing Indian philosophies and aesthetics with the multicultural vibrancy of their American homes.

By exhibiting together, we move beyond being seen as just “ethnic artists” and establish ourselves as powerful voices in modernism, cubism, and the intersection of art and science.

Community and a Sense of Belonging: Being part of the IAAA provides exclusive access to a community that is uniquely both Indian and artist — a combination that can be difficult to find in the U.S.

Monthly Community Meetings: Providing regular spaces for dialogue and shared growth as skill-building workshops, mentorship and critique.

Artist Retreats: Every year we organize a three-day retreat to inspire members and build deep personal connections through collaborative art activities such as mural painting, group discussions, studio and museum visits.

We also give back to the community. For example, we have completed murals for the Alabama Museum and Dorothy Station Library in the last two years.

“Art has the purpose of putting us in touch with ourselves. Hence, I encourage everyone to engage in art in any way they can, be it visual art, literature, music, or dance. This will give them a sense of belonging and community and hopefully find a unique way of how they can pay it forward. And that will then give them the happiness that they deserve.” ~ Sujata Tibrewala

What are some of your current and future events?

Sujata: Our current “In Dialogue” exhibition is on view at Gallery 1337 at the San Rafael Art Works Downtown, CA, until July 25. In 2026 we also have our annual fund raiser.

In 2027 we have exhibitions scheduled at Olive Hyde Gallery in Freemont, CA and the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art.

How have you managed the challenges of successfully operating a non-profit organization in the U.S.?

Sujata: We run this as a community of practice where artists and interns with varied experience volunteer for appropriate tasks.

For example, when we were forming the non-profit my co-founder Abhishek Nigam had experience establishing non-profits so he helped us get incorporated as a non-profit and keeps us compliant with regards to paperwork.

We have a few other artists who help us run social media and we have set up our website, so it is easy to maintain.

Our senior artists such as Salma Arastu, Amita Bhakta and Geeta Dave help us get exhibition opportunities and grants.

As a group we work on promotions. As we grow we need to increase our fund-raising efforts.

What advice do you offer us who wish to make a positive difference in the world?

Sujata: I truly believe everyone is born unique in their own way. It is this fulfillment that gives us happiness.

When we learn what really makes us happy, we would stop finding it in brands, money or power and the world would be a much better place.

Art has the purpose of putting us in touch with ourselves. Hence, I encourage everyone to engage in art in any way they can, be it visual art, literature, music, or dance. This will give them a sense of belonging and community and hopefully find a unique way of how they can pay it forward. And that will then give them the happiness that they deserve.

How can we help you advance your endeavors with IAAA?

Sujata: Helping us find any exhibition opportunities, any grant opportunities or just spreading the word about our activities. This article for example is a start in letting the world know about us and that we exist.

Visit Sujata’s website: sujatapratibimba.com

Visit the IAAA website indianamericanartists.org