“With my collection, I’m hoping to raise money for breast cancer research in memory of my late sister”

Poonam Gogia has a passion for painting. With about 70 paintings in her collection, she is looking forward to helping out community. In her conversation with The Indian Panorama, she said:”With my collection, I’m hoping to raise money for breast cancer research in memory of my late sister. Raising awareness for early detection of breast cancer is such an important and integral part of the solution, and something I’m extremely passionate about doing for the community as an artist”.

Poonam Gogia was born and raised in a middle class family in Delhi, India. Asked to describe how she took to painting, she said: “Throughout my life, I’ve always had a natural talent and passion for creating art. However, growing up in a middle class family in India, I didn’t have the luxury to pursue this interest. My passion for art was ultimately dismissed and discouraged by my family but still, it remained a hobby of mine throughout the years. I still remember I would save up money all winter to buy myself some brushes and colors, so I could paint during my summer vacations. I have some of those paintings till this day. One time, my next door neighbor saw one of my paintings and loved it so much that he paid me to make him one just like it! That moment changed my life. I knew I didn’t have the luxury to pursue art full time then, but I thought back to that moment many times throughout my life, knowing that one day I would share my art with the world.

“After graduating from Miranda House Delhi University, I got married and moved to New York. We raised two beautiful children, and my family kept me busy and occupied most of my days. Around 2010, my youngest sister, Guddu, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We battled it together, as taking care of her became a full time responsibility for me. Through this experience, I felt inspired to rediscover my passion for art. Since then, painting has turned into a self-taught meditation that disconnects me from the trials and tribulations of my everyday life”.

I asked her what has been the role of her husband in encouraging her to paint. She at her husband, Rakesh, a very amiable and gentle person, and said,” My husband not only encouraged me to paint, but also supported me financially in my pursuit”.

Poonam was very appreciative of her children, son, Vijay Gogia, and daughter, Mansi Gogia who always appreciated her work and encouraged her.

Asked about influences of painters on her, she said, “I draw inspiration from both classical Indian and French painters. Raja Ravi Verma, B.G. Sharma, Claude Monet, and Édouard Manet to name a few. Impressionism and the use of vivid, bright colors bring me both energy and inspiration”.

Speaking about what she likes to paint, she said,” My collection today largely depicts stories of Indian mythology and scenes from nature that I’ve photographed over the years, in oil. I’ve got a soft spot for painting flowers, as they are my favorite subject to paint”.

I suggested to Poonam to hold an exhibition of her paintings and make a good bit of money. But she had other ideas. She said, “with my collection, I’m hoping to raise money for breast cancer research in memory of my late sister. Raising awareness for early detection of breast cancer is such an important and integral part of the solution, and something I’m extremely passionate about doing for the community as an artist”.  A noble thought, in deed.

Poonam has organized her debut art exhibition on Sunday, September 16, from 4 to 8 P.M. at Hilton Long Island/ Huntington, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY 11747. She will be happy to welcome you there.