The tragedy of contemporary Indian art is that while a painting may have been created by someone who lives right next to you, by the time it reaches a gallery, the same painting assumes an air of intellectual superiority that is alienating to you, the intended viewer,” says visual artist Vaibhav Raj Shah, founder of ArtHistory+ and Endocrine Films, a video production house dedicated to Indian artists, Indian arts, and contemporary culture. In the absence of meaningful conversations and resources about art appreciation, people without an arts-based background often regard art as intimidating or irrelevant, he adds. Consequently, many talented Indian artists are denied the recognition they rightfully deserve in their own country and are compelled to look abroad for recognition.

Shah’s YouTube channel is an attempt to democratise art, by interpreting prominent pieces in simple language and with the help of contemporary examples. The process, he says, is far simpler and much more intriguing than it actually appears. Having founded the ArtHistory+ channel during the lockdown, Shah is now eager to replicate the same format of simplifying art interpretation to a live audience. Attendees will view and interpret four paintings, with insights from the artists who created them. The four paintings in question, are being kept a secret to ensure that attendees view them with an open mind.