Earlier today, reading about Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde – a true pioneer in Indian abstract art – was both inspiring and humbling. It was a reminder of how we often overlook one of the most enriching aspects of our lives: art. Coming from India, the land of my origin, I was struck by how little I knew about Gaitonde’s life and work. His art, deeply meditative and rooted in Zen philosophy, embodies a serene strength – a sanctuary from the world’s noise. Gaitonde’s story brought me back to a simple truth: art has the power to reconnect us to our roots, histories, and inner selves, yet it’s often the first thing we neglect in our pursuit of “productivity.”

In a world where success is measured by tangible accomplishments, art reminds us that some of the most profound contributions are felt, not counted. Gaitonde’s life and work remind us of the value in creating for the sake of creating. He didn’t seek fame or recognition; he painted to express a vision only he could see, capturing a stillness and beauty that now speaks universally. His work was an act of quiet rebellion, embracing abstraction when realism was the dominant style in Indian art, and in doing so, he carved a path for future generations to see art differently.

Reflecting on Gaitonde’s life, I’m reminded of the profound role art plays in connecting us to something greater than ourselves. Art doesn’t just beautify our spaces; it speaks to our shared humanity, our struggles, and our resilience. It invites us into worlds beyond words, asking us to pause, feel, and understand.

For all of us caught in the busyness of daily life, let’s not forget to make time for art in any form that resonates. Whether it’s a painting, a song, or a poem, let it remind us that there is beauty in stillness, that silence has a voice, and that art has the power to ground us in our own humanity.

Here’s to honoring artists like Gaitonde, whose work and lives inspire us to look beyond the obvious, embrace our heritage, and cherish the quiet spaces in our lives.