Step Inside: How Experiential Art Engages More Than Just the Senses

Tejal Patni, originally from India, moved to Dubai in the 1980s and is a graduate of the Sir JJ School of Applied Arts in Mumbai and the London Film Academy. Known for his whimsical, imaginative style, he has collaborated with global brands like Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Hugo Boss, and publications such as GQ, Grazia, and Harper’s Bazaar. His renowned Splash calendar work has earned him widespread recognition. In early 2024, Patni presented his Vichitra immersive art exhibit at Snowball Studios, a unique exploration of human differentiation and whimsical storytelling. Patni's visual language bridges fantasy with craftsmanship, leaving a profound mark in photography and film. Global Recognition Selected as one of Adobe Photoshop’s 52 artists for its 25th anniversary, Patni also serves as a brand ambassador for Emirates Airlines. His work has received numerous awards, including at the Cannes Lions, One Show Awards, and D&AD Awards, cementing his reputation as a visionary. ‘Still Moving’ Philosophy Guided by the ethos of ‘Still Moving,’ Patni embodies creativity in motion, constantly evolving his craft across photography and film. His art invites viewers into a boundless world of imagination, making a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Odyssée Bouvyer is Avesta Group’s Head of Development & Partnerships, leading the efforts to expand the company’s footprint in developing cultural markets, extend its service offering to respond to market needs, and solidify partnerships to widen its reach across the culture sector value chain. Having previously worked as a senior consultant at Avesta Group, where she became a confirmed cultural project manager with a focus on strategy and economic sustainability, Odyssée is ideally positioned to understand the challenges presented by the culture sector and to pinpoint the opportunities offered by the rich tapestry of expertise within Avesta Group’s teams. She has a rich background working with esteemed cultural institutions, including the Doge’s Palace Museum in Venice, which she guided in venturing into temporary exhibitions to attract repeat visitors. In the past, Odyssée collaborated with Culturespaces, a French exhibitions, events and digital arts agency operating internationally where she spearheaded new partnership and fundraising initiatives by leveraging a cultural network of museums and heritage sites. Odyssée supports emerging artists and is passionate about contemporary creation and global art market mechanisms. She regularly recommends strategies for increasing culture sector sustainability

Fatema Pittalwla’s career spans in policy research, political consultancy, political data analysis and in Indian modern and contemporary art specialist. She was formerly a policy researcher for a member of Rajya Sabha and Observer Research Foundation. She then worked in multiple elections from UP State elections where she campaigned in Western UP and travelled to over 60 villages to President Obama's campaign in 2012 for Pennsylvania, USA. After moving back from New York, she was actively involved in the Indian Art Auction space where she worked at Pundole’s and Christie’s. She remains passionately and academically intune with the art space. She has worked with Reliance Industries Ltd since five years and currently works with the Art House, Jio World Centre as their Art Curator. A graduate of St Xavier's College, Mumbai. Fatema earned her Post Graduate degree from London School of Economics. She is a young collector of Indian Modern and Contemporary art. She currently lives in Mumbai.

Vasudhaa Narayanan is an artist, curator and Creative Director at The Swaddle. Previously she was the Features Editor for The Irregular Times and Curator at the Mumbai Urban Art Festival in 2022.