In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary art and activism, few figures shine as brightly as Poulomi Desai. Born in Hackney in 1965, Desai’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and a fierce commitment to social change.
Life and Early Activism of Poulomi Desai
Growing up in Harrow amidst the turbulence of racial tensions in the 1970s, Poulomi Desai found solace and purpose in the arts.
At the tender age of thirteen, she co-founded the Hounslow Arts Cooperative Theatre, seeking refuge from the racist undercurrents of her surroundings. Fuelled by a punk DIY spirit, she delved into activism, aligning herself with anti-fascist and anti-apartheid movements.
Desai’s activism took her beyond borders; she co-founded Shakti, the first South Asian LGBTQ+ campaigning organization in 1987, and later played a pivotal role in establishing the Naz Foundation International, a groundbreaking HIV/AIDS charity in India. Her commitment to social justice was unwavering, earning her recognition and respect on both local and global stages.
Artistic Evolution
Desai’s artistic journey is as diverse as it is profound. Inspired by her early experiences in street theatre, her works seamlessly blend performance, text, imagery, and sound. As a self-taught outsider artist, she embraces both digital and analog mediums, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.
Her foray into sound art, sparked by a fascination with acoustics and spatial echoes, led to numerous commissions and exhibitions worldwide. From the Serpentine Gallery in London to the Queens Museum in New York, Desai’s work captivates audiences, challenging perceptions and igniting conversations.
Curatorial Vision
Beyond her own artistic endeavors, Poulomi Desai’s impact resonates through her role as a curator and community organizer. In 2010, she founded the Usurp Art Gallery and Studios, a pioneering space in the London Borough of Harrow. Through her curatorial efforts, she brought together local and international artists, fostering dialogue and collaboration in an unprecedented manner.
Notable exhibitions, such as the retrospective of artist Chila Burman, underscore Desai’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives. Her collaborations with renowned institutions like the Tate Britain and Google Cultural Institute further cement her legacy as a curator of consequence.
Recognition and Legacy
In September 2023, Desai’s contributions were honored with the Community Service award at the Asian Achievers Awards in London. Yet, her impact transcends accolades; it permeates through the communities she serves and the artistic landscapes she reshapes.
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