How It All Began

Growing up in Delhi, I never really knew anyone who was into art. I can count on one hand the number of times I stepped into a gallery or museum. Art always felt like something distant — fascinating, but somehow out of reach.

It wasn't until I moved to California, during a break between jobs, that I finally gave into that long-standing curiosity. I began visiting museums, galleries, and art walks, only to realise how intimidating the "art world" could feel — full of unspoken rules, coded language, and a quiet kind of exclusivity that made outsiders like me hesitate.

In conversations with other members of the South Asian diaspora, I realised I wasn't alone. Many of us were curious, eager to learn, but unsure where to begin or whether we even belonged in these spaces.

The Turning Point

During the India Art Fair in 2024, that feeling crystallised. There was a surge of excitement around South Asian art, yet a visible gap in accessibility and relatability, especially among younger audiences abroad.

Desi Art Mag emerged from that gap: a bridge between curiosity and confidence, created for those who've always felt like art was "not for them," offering a way in through approachable, honest storytelling.

Our Mission

To demystify the art world and make it feel welcoming.

We educate, engage, and inspire curiosity about South Asian art while building confidence among new audiences. Our editorial ethos: "Where art meets accessibility, and creativity knows no bounds."

Our Values

  • Curiosity Over Credentials

    You don't need an art degree to appreciate art. You just need an open mind and a willingness to explore.

  • Openness Over Exclusivity

    We write for newcomers, not insiders. No jargon, no pretense — just honest, engaging storytelling.

  • Belonging Over Hierarchy

    Art is for everyone. We're building a community where everyone feels welcome to learn, explore, and connect.

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Meet the Founder

Shivansh Wadhwa

Desi Art Mag was founded by Shivansh Wadhwa, whose journey into art began not in a gallery, but in the quiet pull of curiosity. Growing up in Delhi in a business-oriented family, art was never a part of daily life — it was something distant, almost abstract.

With a background in finance and consulting, Shivansh brings structure to his creative mission, but it's his lived experience — of entering the art world as an outsider — that defines the magazine's voice: warm, curious, and deeply human.

Join the Journey

Whether you're in Mumbai, New York, London, or anywhere in between — if you've ever felt curious about art but didn't know where to start, you're exactly who we created this for.

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