Close Window

Poonam Sharma

"Hello. My name is Poonam Sharma and I was born on September 17, 1976 in Delhi. My childhood was a fulfilling one, as I was brought up in a very artistic environment. My grandfather was an artist and my father was an art teacher. He was very talented but did not make the most of this ability. In those days, art wasn't really considered a very good option.

"But my uncle end up becoming a professional artist. I give a great deal of credit to my uncle for my flair in art. He gave me guidance. He taught me how to sketch while I was still a child, but I wasn't really into painting and spent most of my free time playing and hanging out with friends. However, after high school when I was deciding what to study, my sister convinced me to join her in the fine arts. It was really difficult getting into the College of Art. Guided by my uncle and sister, I practiced for two or three months for the entrance exam. But these few months were the turning point for me. I was so enamored with the beauty and the many facets of art, I soon decided this is where I belong. Fortunately, I was admitted. During my four years in college, I learned a lot about painting – portraits, figure studies, etc. I also participated in many exhibitions organized by the college and received my first award. I was really happy.

"After my BFA I received my MFA. Since there were only seven seats available for the entire country for the MFA course, it was tough getting in on the first attempt but I was lucky in the second.

"While doing my BFA, I learned the technique of etching and I loved it, so during my MFA I developed it further. You can see that most of my work uses this etching technique. I also do a lot of abstracts. My motto has always been, 'what to make is not important but how to make it is important.' My thesis was titled 'Towards Abstraction,' a photo book that got a good response. While in the first year of the Master's program, I got a national scholarship for two years. I used all the money for paints and canvas. I was among the few who won the Nokia Art Award, and the winners from India were taken to Korea for the final competition. Although I did not win there, it was a nice experience where I got to meet a lot of talented artists and learned about their culture. I also received the Camlin Award and the MF Hussain Award, among others.

"After graduating, I started painting professionally. Since it is difficult surviving as a newcomer in the field of art, I took a part-time job as a teacher in a private institute. Then in 2003 I got a government job as an art teacher. That same year I had my first solo exhibit. I have participated in a group show in Sri Lanka as well as many in and around India. I am content as an artist now, but definitely want to go ahead and explore more about the beauty of art."