Shalini Passi, a Delhi-based art collector, artist, philanthropist, and founder of the Shalini Passi Art Foundation, is a dynamic force in the contemporary art world. With a keen eye for the evolving vocabulary of contemporary art, Passi has made significant strides in supporting emerging artists and fostering arts education. Her extensive collection, which includes works by some of the most coveted names in contemporary art, is a testament to her passion and commitment to the arts. In this exclusive talk, Shalini shares insights into her multifaceted endeavours, from her pioneering digital platform MASH to her unwavering commitment to championing children’s rights through her collaboration with UNICEF.
Shalini Passi’s journey in the art world began at a young age. She told us about her early exposure to art and how it shaped her life, “I was fortunate to have parents who exposed me to museums and galleries around the world. This instilled in me a lifelong love for art. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; art became a way for me to understand different cultures and perspectives. As I grew older, my passion for collecting grew alongside my artistic pursuits.”
In 2018, Shalini took her passion for art a step further by founding the Shalini Passi Art Foundation and MASH, a digital platform that explores the intersection of architecture, art, craft, design, and fashion. Under Shalini’s guidance, MASH hosts a monthly feature on selected artists and their work, promoting experimental new practitioners through its social media platforms. She has demonstrated a commitment to nurturing new emerging talent. Through initiatives like the ‘Young and Emerging Artists’ Exhibition,’ she has provided a valuable platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work and gain recognition within the industry. The platform also provides regular updates on current exhibitions, important sales, and significant cultural events around the world.
Shalini’s contributions to the art world are diverse and impactful. She elaborated on the inspiration behind founding MASH and the Shalini Passi Art Foundation,
“MASH was born out of a desire to explore the convergence of various artistic disciplines – architecture, art, craft, design, and fashion – in an accessible format. It’s about breaking down barriers and fostering a dialogue that celebrates creativity in its myriad forms. Similarly, the Shalini Passi Art Foundation was established to support emerging artists and promote arts education. Both initiatives aim to nurture talent and ignite passion for the arts among diverse audiences.”
Shalini’s interest in the art world began with her collection, which boasts works by Bharti Kher, Anita Dube, Sheba Chhachhi, Zarina Hashmi, and Atul Dodiya, among others. Her collection also features significant international artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, and Indian modernist masters like M.F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, and Ram Kumar. Her love for art and design is further evident in her vast collection of furniture, tapestries, and rare antiques, which are compared with cutting-edge contemporary design. Through initiatives like the MASH Ball, we harness collective energy to support programs like Art-Based Therapy and Early Childhood Development, empowering children to overcome challenges and realize their full potential. By amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.” Shalini Passi’s commitment to philanthropy shines through in her generous donation of 100% of the proceeds from MASH Ball to UNICEF.
Shalini’s involvement with UNICEF as a Champion for Children reflects a deep commitment to philanthropy. She shared her vision for leveraging her influence to create positive change for children worldwide, “My association with UNICEF is a natural extension of my belief in the transformative power of art and education. Shalini told us about her intentions behind collecting artwork, “For me, collecting art is a deeply personal journey. Each artwork tells a story, evokes emotions, and sparks conversations. Whether it’s the intricate craftsmanship of Indian artisans or the bold innovations of global artists, I’m drawn to pieces that resonate with me on a visceral level. It’s about forging connections – with the artists, their narratives, and the broader cultural context.”
Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of your career, from supporting underprivileged children to spearheading COVID relief efforts. Shalini shared her views on art intersecting with social impact, particularly in times of crisis as, “Art has a unique ability to transcend boundaries and foster empathy. During times of crisis, it serves as a powerful tool for healing, expression, and resilience. Whether through fundraising exhibitions or community outreach programs, we can harness the transformative power of art to address pressing social issues and uplift vulnerable communities. It’s evidence of the inherent humanity of creativity.”
Shalini’s commitment to the arts extends beyond her personal collection and digital platform. She has been a member of the Advisory Board of Khoj Studios since 2012 and serves as a longstanding Patron of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. She regularly loans work from her collection to exhibitions and art events and actively supports emerging artists.
Being the founder of MASH and the Shalini Passi Art Foundation, she aspires to a good future and shared her vision, “My vision for MASH is to continue pushing boundaries and fostering a global community of creatives. I want it to catalyze collaboration, innovation, and exploration across diverse artistic disciplines. Similarly, the Shalini Passi Art Foundation will remain dedicated to empowering emerging artists and promoting arts education initiatives. Together, we’ll continue shaping a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable art ecosystem for generations to come.”
In addition to her roles as a supporter of art and artists, Shalini Passi is poised to make her debut on the Netflix series “Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives.” This marks an exciting new chapter in her career, where she will bring a fresh perspective to the well-known series.
As our conversation comes to a close, it’s evident that Shalini Passi’s passion for art, philanthropy, and social impact knows no bounds. Through her unwavering commitment to creativity and compassion, she embodies the transformative potential of art to inspire, uplift, and unite us all. In her hands, the canvas becomes a catalyst for change, and the brushstroke, a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
