NIKI HINGAD

There are a few people who radiate light as soon as they walk into the room. Niki Hingad, or my mother, is one of them. She is the most resilient, most positive, kindest, purest soul ever born. She’s accomplished everything she dreamed: from being an artist, to being a mother, to being a member of CFBP(council for fair business practices) to starting her own art foundation. Born in the small town of Jaipur, a small girl dreamed of everything in the brightest of colours. She started teaching art when she was barely 14 years old… Little did she know that one day, she’d have her own art foundation, the Niki Hingad Art Foundation.

She’s always taught me to colour outside the lines(in the literal and metaphorical sense). She’s told me to let my imagination guide me and never let the world oppress my opinions. Her exhibitions challenge everything, may it be stereotypes (as seen in La Belle Homme when she challenged toxic masculinity). Her recent works are closely related to her philosophy that everything is nothing, but nothing is everything (Shunya and Ananta). But that’s not it! She was the head girl in her college, and when she came to Mumbai, she made the most of it! Can you imagine a 38-year old going to college to complete her art education? My mum did it all. She’s currently on her quest to self-actualisation, as she takes out time to understand herself by the help if meditation. All in all, if this is not inspiring, than what is? If this is not her story, than what is?

Written by Vidusshi Hingad