Renowned as a beacon in the expansive realm of art, Saryu V. Doshi has etched her influence indelibly since the 1960s. During this era, India, as a nascent independent nation, was fervently exploring avenues to articulate its age-old civilizational heritage on a global stage. Amongst this backdrop, Doshi’s journey began in 1956, when she accompanied her husband to the University of Michigan, unexpectedly embarking on a path in art history. Returning to Mumbai, she swiftly embedded herself within the city’s vibrant intellectual community and embarked on a trajectory that she never detoured from.
Doshi, an octogenarian honored with the prestigious Padma Shri, stands as an authoritative voice in the study of Jain art and architecture. However, her legacy and contributions encircle a much broader domain, making it virtually impossible to delineate the extent of her impact. Her contributions are manifold; she served as an honorary editor at Marg magazine, was instrumental in establishing the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai as its founding director, and held the role of pro tem chairman at the Lalit Kala Akademi. In the 1970s, Doshi shared her expertise internationally as a visiting faculty at esteemed institutions like the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley. Her recognition extends further as an honorary fellow of the Bombay Asiatic Society, and her editorial insights grace the research journal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). Amongst peers, she is lauded not only for her comprehensive and meticulous scholarship but also for her endearing warmth and enthusiasm.
Recently, Doshi graced Chennai, captivating the audience with a series dedicated to the profound nuances of Jain art and spirituality. This series was facilitated by a collaboration between the Prakriti Foundation and INTACH (Chennai Chapter). In an illuminating dialogue, Doshi shared insights from her multifaceted journey: “I have been a part of varied committees—film script writing, tourism boards, even those concerning telephone connection allocations,” she recalls with a hint of amusement. She deduced that her inclusion stemmed from the dire need for art representation. With an insatiable curiosity driving her, Doshi actively immerses herself in diverse events, from art exhibitions to theatrical performances, significantly shaping her eclectic taste and outlook.
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Her Bombay home patterned itself as a nurturing ground for dialogue, frequented by artists, actors, and directors alike. Reflecting on this vibrant period in the art scene, she remarked on the electrifying energy that animated artistic pursuits. Growing up under the wing of in-laws who ardently supported Marathi theater and classical music, it came as second nature to Doshi to venture into related creative endeavors such as designing costumes for a Marathi rendition of the play “Tughlaq.”
Her work with CSMVS’s expansive library not only attests to her scholarly rigor but also highlights her commitment to fostering intellectual discourse. It’s a place she frequents, finding joy in writing and sharing knowledge with fellow aficionados and scholars.
Debunking the myth of dwindling interest in museums and art galleries, Doshi is adamant about the burgeoning enthusiasm observed in younger demographics. She notes a noticeable uptick in interest regarding the nuanced study of art history, which signals a promising shift toward engaging dialogue and deeper analysis. However, she critiques the current educational approaches, emphasizing the need for systematic analytical skills. Her vision is for academia to evolve beyond mere documentation to genuinely exploring the evidentiary narratives in art.
The art world, with its fairs, biennales, and innovative evolutions like the newly inaugurated Bihar Museum, marks significant recalibrations in presenting and perceiving art today. Doshi appreciates this paradigm shift where historical curatorial practices transform into approaches that critically engage with civilizational themes. Museums themselves reflect this evolution, where structural and display innovations present stories beyond traditional historical trajectories, now embracing imaginative engagements that challenge previous norms.
Saryu V. Doshi’s life and work embody a tireless commitment to art and culture, continuously pushing the boundaries of interpretation and appreciation in India and beyond. Through her dynamic career path and profound contributions to the art world, she has truly been a pivotal force in the quest for cultural expression and enlightenment.
