Some might argue that an artist’s path is inherently complex and laborious. Jeena Raghavan’s journey is a colourful story that spans continents and cultures and is distinguished by her unwavering dedication to her artistic vision. Jeena, an English native, started her artistic journey at a young age and showed early signs of an innate painting talent that would go on to become a remarkable career.
When Jeena moved to India at the age of six and fully immersed herself in the rich cultural heritage and art of the country, her life underwent a drastic change. This early exposure helped to shape her artistic identity and laid the groundwork for the fusion of Eastern and Western influences that would come to define her work.
Recognised for her extraordinary talent at an early age, the 13-year-old held her first exhibition in London, selling paintings centred around the Hindu goddess Ganesha in an effort to raise charitable funds.
When Jeena crossed the Atlantic to enrol at the esteemed Parsons School of Design in New York, her artistic journey achieved yet another significant milestone. Her creativity found both challenges and opportunities in the fast-paced, bustling metropolis. Unfazed by the difficulties of making a name for herself in a strange country, Jeena relished every second and used her hardships as motivation.
Jeena’s involvement with the education-focused non-profit Agastya International Foundation is indicative of her dedication to using art as a catalyst for positive change. Through her collaboration with the foundation, millions of underprivileged children in India were able to benefit from creative learning. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Jeena decided to step up her charitable work by donating 50% of the sales of her artwork to a relief fund that would help the families of migrant workers who were badly impacted by the outbreak.
Over the course of the previous year, Jeena enjoyed great success in the New York art scene. Soiree and Jake Henzo organised three of the four shows that Jeena had at Lavan Chelsea. Her exhibitions not only display her technical mastery but also a strong sense of kinship with her heritage and an engaging story of personal growth.
Intricate patterns and a rainbow of colours depict Jeena’s multifaceted personality in her artwork. She embodies herself in every photo, catching touching moments as she strikes a balance between her Indian heritage and the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City. She uses her method as a visual journal, sharing memories of her upbringing in both India and England as well as the challenges and successes of a young Indian woman attempting to establish herself overseas.
Her most recent group show is theme, “Vulnerability,” struck a deep chord with spectators and brought attention to her large, powerful paintings. With foxes, bulls, and horses making striking appearances against abstract backgrounds and figurative compositions, Jeena’s love of nature is evident in all of her artwork.
Nearly 1500 people attended, and the room quickly filled up, with lines extending outside. The show itself was a hit, as young, talented artists from different backgrounds announced their arrival on a stage hitherto occupied by the incumbent elite. One media outlet called it a “Grassroots Assault on Chelsea’s Elitist Gallery Culture.”
In 2024, Jeena plans two solo exhibitions in Manhattan’s West Village and Lower East Side, marking a turning point in her artistic career. Curated by Katie Mangurian, who values Jeena’s art for what it is: genuine and raw. These exhibitions are expected to mark significant turning points in Jeena’s career.
Jeena creates truly remarkable colours, themes, and textures by fusing her insatiable passion for art with her distinct and multicultural life experiences. She enjoys experimenting with different mixed media to give her artwork depth and several layers. The end result is frequently the kind of art that captivates, unabashedly holding the viewer’s gaze and evoking the kind of mysterious feelings that only truly exceptional art can evoke.
Photo Credits: Jaime Marrero & Alex Buzunov
To view more work, visit: jeenaraghavan.com
