Priyanka Jain
Priyanka Jain (b. 1986) is a distinguished contemporary Indian printmaker and visual storyteller currently based in New Delhi. A 2011 Kala Sakshi Memorial Trust Awardee, she is recognized for her intricate etchings and socially engaged practice that explores the paradox of human emotions within urban and institutional structures. An alumnus of the College of Art, New Delhi, Jain has established herself as a critical voice in the contemporary art scene, bridging the gap between traditional printmaking and socio-political inquiry.
Central to Jain’s artistic philosophy is the investigation of ancient architectural forms and built environments as metaphors for the internal human landscape. She views architecture not merely as a functional or living space, but as a sacred vessel where memories and experiences are created and stored. In her work, each structural element—from the rigid geometry of a city to the quiet corners of a room—serves as a bridge to a specific “essence,” allowing the viewer to establish an intuitive connection with the work through their own subconscious history. By prioritizing this deep emotional bond, she invites the audience to find personal meaning within her compositions without the need for a predetermined narrative.
Her practice continues to evolve through high-profile international fellowships, including her role as an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity and an Aspen Institute New Voices Fellow. Through her meticulous use of etching and woodcut, she establishes a silent dialogue between the rigid physical structures of society and the fluid vulnerability of human memory.