Arts educators now face the balancing act of decolonising curricula by bringing in narratives from the lens of age, caste, class, religion, sexuality, region and gender. This ensures that inclusivity and diversity become a reality for learners across the world. Pedagogues Dr. Padmini Ray Murray (Founder, Design Beku), Prof. Sarover Zaidi (Associate Professor of Practice, Jindal School of Art and Architecture), Anurag Minus Verma (Writer, Multimedia Artist, Podcaster) and Jasmine Wahi (Founder & Co-Director, Project For Empty Space) discuss this with moderator Abhay Sardesai, (Director, Dr. Shantilal K Somaiya School of Art & Independent Writer, Educator & Art Critic).
Generously supported by JSW, the IAF 2025 Talks Series, Growing Focus, curated by independent researcher and curator Shaleen Wadhwana, examines the increasing prominence of South Asia within contemporary art, design and culture. The series highlights the efforts of People of the Global Majority — comprising more than 80 per cent of the world’s population, with roots in Indigenous, African, Asian and Latin American cultures — who are asserting their presence across arts and cultural ecosystems. Amid the ongoing decentering of dominant ‘Global North’ narratives, it frames this moment not merely as a response to decolonisation but as landmark, historic self-determination. We explore this impact for audiences today and every day.
Dr. Padmini Ray Murray: Dr. Padmini Ray Murray is a feminist researcher, maker and the founder of Design Beku – a collective of researchers, artists, technologists and designers who work towards making design and digital practice more locally rooted, community-led, contextually relevant and ethical. Padmini’s work focuses on how corporate digital spaces commits and perpetuates epistemological violence against the marginalised, through collusions of infrastructure and the interface.
Prof. Sarover Zaidi: Prof. Sarover Zaidi is a philosopher and social anthropologist working at the intersections of critical theory, art, architecture, and anthropology. She explores religious architecture, urbanism, and material culture in South Asia. A Max Planck and INTACH fellow, she curates Elementary Forms and teaches at Jindal School of Art and Architecture, India.
Anurag Minus Verma: Anurag Minus Verma is an Indian multidisciplinary artist, author, and filmmaker. His podcast ranks in the top 1% globally and is referenced in universities worldwide. His genre-bending films have screened at prestigious international festivals and venues, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Anurag has written for leading publications and has an upcoming book with Bloomsbury.
Jasmine Wahi: Jasmine Wahi, Founder and Co-Director of Project for Empty Space, is a curator focusing on intersectional feminism, femme empowerment, and cultural identities. Honored by The Met for social impact in 2023, she teaches at Brooklyn College and serves on boards, blending academic, curatorial, and social advocacy in the arts.
Abhay Sardesai: Abhay Sardesai is a writer, art critic and educator. He is currently the Director of the Dr. Shantilal K Somaiya School of Art. He was the Editor of ART India magazine for over two decades from 2002 to 2024.
