Ritika Biswas, a Bengali art curator and researcher, has carved out a unique path in the international art world. Her journey, marked by serendipity and a passion for exploring the intersections of art, ecology, and the human condition, has led her to curate exhibitions and projects across the globe. From Singapore to Paris, Busan to Abu Dhabi, Ritika's nomadic approach to curating reflects her belief in the interconnectedness of art, life, and the environment.
Ritika's entry into the art world was anything but planned. While studying at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, she stumbled upon a gallery and, on a whim, offered her assistance. This fortuitous event led to her first experience working in a gallery setting, sparking a curiosity that would shape her future career. After completing her master's degree in film and screen studies at the University of Cambridge, she secured a role at New Art Exchange in Nottingham, the UK's largest gallery for artists of colour. There, she further honed her curatorial skills and deepened her engagement with diverse artistic practices.
Ritika's passion for the arts is deeply rooted in her Bengali upbringing. 'I come from a Bengali family, so there's a very strong impetus on cultural selves,' she explains. 'It's really about nurturing, I think, hidden languages and modes of expression.' Encouraged to explore various art forms from a young age, she developed a lifelong appreciation for the arts, even though she didn't initially envision a career in the art world.
A professor who introduced her to the concept of 'painting in film' sparked her interest in film and screen studies. This fascination with the interplay of different mediums and how film can serve as a platform for exploring diverse artistic expressions later informed her curatorial approach, which often involves bringing together artists working in various mediums to create immersive and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Ritika's career has been punctuated by unexpected opportunities and bold decisions. In 2021, during the pandemic, she applied for and was selected as the Artistic Director of the Busan Sea Art Festival, becoming the first foreign and first female director in the festival's history. This experience, she says, was a testament to her belief in following her instincts and embracing the unexpected.
'It's just really going to sound like I make a lot of rash decisions, but it's essentially how my career has unravelled,' she admits. 'None of this was calculated.'
Her time in Korea, navigating the complexities of a hierarchical society and working with a diverse community of artists, further solidified her commitment to creating accessible and critical art that engages with pressing social and environmental issues.
Ritika's nomadic lifestyle is not just about travelling; it's about cultivating relationships and deepening her understanding of different cultures and environments. 'It's about nurturing the relationships that I've built with people in the art world and otherwise in these spaces,' she explains. 'To show up in person, and respect and expand those relationships.' This approach informs her curatorial practice, allowing her to connect with artists and communities on a deeper level and create exhibitions that resonate with diverse audiences.
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Want to learn more about Ritika's curatorial vision and her thoughts on the future of art and the planet? Read the full interview in CONFLUENCE, the 5th volume of INTERLUNAR's zine.
