As a Bene Israel Jew from India now living in the United States, I am a Jewish artist creating cross cultural and transcultural art. My perspective bridges the traditional and the modern, and sparks discourse across cultures.

My family gradually dispersed, mostly to Israel and America, but my parents remained in India. I still recall the ornate synagogues of my Bombay childhood: the oil lamps, the velvet-and-silver-covered Torahs, a chair left vacant for the prophet Elijah. Having grown up in a Hindu and Muslim society, educated in Catholic and Zoroastrian schools, raised Jewish in India, and now calling America home, I have always had to reflect on cultural boundary zones.

So while I am a Jewish artist, my perspective remains transcultural and multicultural at heart. I combine the imagery of my past with the role I play in America today, making a mosaic inspired by illuminated manuscripts and multicultural mythology.

Many blue-skinned characters populate my paintings. This self-portrait of sorts takes on many roles through which I explore ancient and contemporary dilemmas. These characters enact their stories – often recycling myths from various cultures and religions — becoming symbols of a timeless global identity free of prejudices and boundaries.

For when you are feeling blue, or any other color: Siona has generously offered a 10% discount on her work; just enter Discount Code KAPLAN at checkout. 

Did you miss our recent webinars? Catch the replays: 

• March 8 Who Moved My Holiday? with Rabbi Mitchell Smith: 

• February’s three-part Melton series Restless Soul: Mordecai Kaplan and the Reinvention of American Judaism, a special three-part Melton series with Valley Beth Shalom, co-sponsored by the Kaplan Center. Includes info for a 25% discount on Jenna Weissman Joselit’s new book Mordecai M. Kaplan: Restless Soul: