My name is Khushi Jetley, and I am an interdisciplinary artist training at OCAD University. As a Canadian artist of Indian Hindu background, I find myself continually navigating the margins and borders of the creative world. While I consider myself a member of the art world, I am often positioned outside of it due to my ethnic background and the unorthodox nature of my work. This positioning has shaped my artistic approach, which revolves around pushing the boundaries of identity and diaspora.Being a woman of colour, I am driven to amplify de-colonial concepts, challenge hegemony, and give voice to my heritage, which does not always neatly fit into Western art constructs. I strive to represent my identity and heritage by bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary art, and by redefining what is considered "mainstream" in the art world.My artistic practice is heavily influenced by Indian culture and my Hindu upbringing. These themes permeate through my work, from the characters in my stories to the concepts in my paintings. However, creating such art in the West presents constant challenges as I navigate the limits and frontiers imposed by the art world. It is through these challenges that I engage with the themes of margins and decoloniality in my work.Through my art, I aim to disrupt the conventional narratives and perspectives prevalent in the art world. I seek to create dialogue and provoke thought by presenting alternative narratives and perspectives that are often marginalized or overlooked. By challenging preconceived notions and expanding the boundaries of artistic expression, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse art world.My work is a reflection of my personal journey as an artist and an individual existing between cultures. It is an exploration of the intersections of identity, heritage, and artistic practice. By examining and embracing these intersections, I strive to create art that speaks to the complexities of our contemporary world and encourages conversations about representation, power dynamics, and cultural hybridity.As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of my own practice and engaging with the ongoing dialogue surrounding identity, diaspora, and decolonization. Through my art, I hope to challenge and transform the artistic landscape, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable art world that recognizes and values diverse voices and experiences.Follow me on Instagram @by_kjetley to explore my artistic journey and join the conversation.
Integrated Media
Major In progress, 2024