“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
– Andy Warhol
Art, in its myriad forms, has been an intrinsic part of human existence since time immemorial. While numerous professions are accorded considerable significance, the inherent potential of explicit art to accrue a valuable monetary worth is often overlooked. Beyond its tangible economic value, the true essence of art lies in its creation, where emotions, skills, and boundless creativity converge, rendering each piece invaluable.
Artists like Anita Dhekne board a voyage filled with hurdles only to bring a difference, striving to ensure that their creations resonate through time. The lasting impact of art is a byproduct of multidimensional factors, fluctuating from innate talent and zeitgeist to the dynamics of the market, institutional support, scholarly recognition, and, not to be discounted, a touch of serendipity. Together, these elements contribute to the longevity and historical significance of an artist and their body of work.
The role of Dhekne and similar artists is indisputably critical, extending beyond the confines of mere profession. Creative expression, fundamental to fostering a healthy and open-minded society, takes center stage in the artist’s repertoire. Artworks serve as beacons of inspiration, offering solace, instilling hope, and possessing the uncanny ability to touch the depths of the soul in ways that words often fall short. The artist, equipped with a unique skill set, holds the power to influence, inspire, and provide assistance to others on a profound level.
The path to becoming an artist, unlike more conventional professions such as teaching or nursing, lacks a predefined trajectory. Some artists are self-taught, eschewing formal education in favor of cultivating their craft through personal exploration and experimentation. Conversely, others opt for a more structured route, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of the artistic landscape.
Similarly, Anita Dhekne outshines her performance for being more than an artist, as she is a successful banker and a healthcare professional. Her struggles with disorders in her personal life fueled her enthusiasm for fostering greater creativity, motivating her to craft masterpieces that showcase people adorned in traditional Indian saris. Her professional journey includes significant roles within the banking sector and an extensive amount of work done through virtual channels. Additionally, she has contributed to the community as a healthcare professional while engaging in drawing for television and film projects.
Dhekne’s career path has been diverse, initially in accounting before moving towards humanitarian efforts. She significantly contributed to the Houston Food Bank, showcasing her dedication to philanthropy despite personal challenges. Dhekne’s artistic activities have garnered attention, with her works featuring in exhibitions like Boomerang’s Boston. Notably, her paintings depict figures adorned in saris, showcasing a unique blend of traditional Indian clothing within a contemporary art context.
With that said, every piece of her work is a manifestation of her unique insights and voice, serving as a witness to their ability to transcend the ordinary and articulate the extraordinary. Dhekne’s artistic contributions have been recognized in various ranges, including her involvement with SaatchiArt and exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, including the Costume Institute, in 2022.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Dhekne has been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, including contributions to organizations like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Indo-American Charity Foundation.
Whether formally educated or self-taught, artists navigate a unique and often challenging path, driven by an unwavering passion for giving life to their visions and contributing to the rich tapestry of human creativity. Associated with institutions like New York University, Columbia University, the Art Students League, and the San Francisco Art Institute, Dhekne has polished her craft through formal education as well as through personal efforts. Art is a dynamic force that shapes culture, inspires societal evolution, and provides a platform for the profound exploration of the human experience, and the creations of Anita Dhekne check all those boxes.