Close Window

Neha Arora

"Hello. My name is Neha Arora and I was born and brought up in the Punjab region. Since childhood, I always felt a fascination for colors. I remember drawing colorful birds and flowers. I started painting as early as the First Standard. I use to paint stars and moons with watercolor. I was in Standard IV when my parents discovered my talent and allowed me to take private classes. Every day I'd travel five kilometers to study drawing and painting, such was my passion for art.

"I was brought up in an extended family, and it was great fun with all the family members staying in one big home. During vacations, I'd take painting classes, and participated in a number of high school exhibitions. After my graduation, I selected design as my course of study, since I was good at sketching, and I thought design would allow me to earn a good income.

"After finishing my studies, I wanted to venture out of my hometown. But since I was brought up in very conservative family, I wasn't allowed to. Eventually they agreed to send me to a larger city. Here I visited a lot of exhibitions and better understood the true meaning of art. I concentrated on figurative art and the expression of different personalities. My mother has been very supportive – she is my biggest critic.

"There has been no turning back since then. In 2003, one of my paintings was selected for the prestigious exhibition AIFAC exhibition. Staying away from home isn't easy and I often miss my family, but I visit them quite often."