Alumna Kanishka Porwal, artist and the 2024 winner of The Gavel, shares her journey at Sotheby’s Institute and her vision for One-IN-Art - a platform aimed at amplifying the cultural richness of Indian art.
What drove your decision to apply for a Sotheby’s Institute MA program?
My curiosity about the art world started with a question we all wonder about, "How does a painting sell for millions of dollars?" which sparked my interest in the art market. As an artist with my own practice, I sought to deepen my understanding of the art market. This led me to Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where I applied for the MA Art Business program.
How is the MA Art Business program at Sotheby’s Institute equipping you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the art industry?
The program is comprehensive. Although I familiarized myself with the coursework beforehand, I was surprised by the depth and breadth of the courses during the semesters. The inclusion of subjects such as art law were enlightening. The courses provided essential knowledge, enabling us to navigate and create our niche in the art world.
The Enterprise Studio offers Master’s students training and support for new business ventures, culminating in a start-up pitch competition, The Gavel. What were some of the most valuable lessons or skills you gained from the Enterprise Studio experience?
The Enterprise Studio is an excellent initiative for aspiring art entrepreneurs. Beyond the funding, the mentorship has been invaluable. The studio helped me focus on utilising my strengths to convert them into valuable skills, rather than dwelling on my weaknesses. Brendan Burns and Jeffery Boloten along with the encouraging environment, gave me the confidence to advance my idea. This experience was a pivotal lesson for me.
Having won the Gavel competition, what is next for your art business One-IN-Art?
It's both exciting and a little scary to think about the future of One-IN-Art. Until now, I have completed the preliminary research, business proposal, and interviewed almost 30 art world professionals. The response to the proposal and learning about the art industry has been amazing.
I am eager to start the project with further advanced research into the art practices, culture, and history of the Indian art market, and I look forward to learning more along the way. At the same time, I am beginning to develop the platform and technology that will form the backbone of the business, while also building a community through social media to connect with our audience. Above all, what I am most looking forward to is assembling the team and establishing the core values of our business together.
In a start-up, we often have to wear multiple hats and manage various tasks simultaneously, which I personally find exhilarating. One-IN-Art will always embrace a start-up mindset, culture, and values. My mantra is to build a strong foundation and progress step-by-step.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind One-IN-Art?
Honestly, there are so many! In my presentation, I mention the story of my papa and myself but there is so much more to it. Growing up in India and coming from a religious family, I have always been around paintings, sculptures, textiles, and above all, culture. I have seen the best paintings from the Mughal period to now being in New York, seeing the best of the contemporary world. So I think, my experiences, combined with the need for a unified platform and a bigger picture of having the Indian art market on the global stage have been the biggest driving force.
One-IN-Art is an art platform that connects artists, artisans, and galleries in the Indian art market with collectors and buyers, both nationally and internationally. The platform is crafted to amplify the cultural richness of Indian art, providing a unified platform, essential visibility, and fostering a robust, authentic environment.
By studying at Sotheby’s Institute, you have become a lifelong member of a global network of over 8,000 alumni. How will you utilize this moving forward?
Another reason why I was excited to join Sotheby’s Institute of Art was its extensive network. The alumni have been immensely helpful, answering my questions during the application process and even now as I navigate the art industry. I am eager to continue leveraging this network, learning from their journeys, and contributing to mutual support in the future.
What advice or tips would you give to those wanting to compete in the Gavel competition?
Go for it! Don’t overthink.
Last year, when Mithra Stevens and Lisa Black-Cohen won, while I was applying for Sotheby’s Institute, I saw their articles and I thought to myself that it would be nice if I did that, and it turned out to be a rewarding experience. My advice is to get involved from the beginning, ask plenty of questions, and utilize the available support. Brendan Burns and Jeffery Boloten are always there to help. Engage with mentors, faculty, coordinators, and classmates, this collective support was instrumental in refining my pitch.