“My name is Vartika Bhatt, and I’m from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Art has been my passion since childhood. Growing up, I spent a lot of time drawing, which eventually led to my love for painting. During my school years, art was more academic, but after my board exams, I decided to pursue art more seriously.

During the summer break, I joined an art class and completed a certificate course, which encouraged me to apply for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. I studied at Lucknow College, where I developed my own artistic practice, working with themes like the universe, déjà vu, and metamorphosis.

Alongside painting, I also became interested in photography, especially street photography. I traveled to places like Varanasi and Baroda, capturing candid moments and the essence of everyday life. This sparked a deeper curiosity about the intersection of art, history, and culture.

After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I chose to pursue a Master of Visual Arts in Art History and Visual Studies at the University of Hyderabad. My dissertation focuses on the architectural influence of imported Asian materials in temples, specifically Japanese majolica tiles brought by Marwadi merchants to Begum Bazar, Old City. I’m fascinated by how these materials shaped temple architecture and craftsmanship.

I am guided by Dr. Baishali Ghosh, who has completed her Master’s and PhD at MSU Baroda. She has been an incredible mentor, helping me develop a comprehensive approach to my research. The University of Hyderabad has been an enriching environment, where I’ve had the chance to collaborate across various departments, further broadening my understanding of art.

Alongside my dissertation, I am part of the “Living Temple” art show, curated by Ms. Annapurna Madipadiga, where I guide visitors and provide insights about the exhibits. This experience has allowed me to explore the cultural and architectural aspects of temples in a more hands-on way, connecting art with history and material culture.”