Sonam Kapoor, widely recognized as a leading Bollywood actress, has not only made her mark on the silver screen and fashion world but also emerged as an influential art collector deeply connected to South Asian artistic heritage. Rooted in a family passionate about art, Kapoor’s journey reflects a deliberate focus on championing female artists and underrepresented voices.
Image Source: Bollywood Hungama via Wikimedia Commons
Familial Legacy and Early Artistic Influences
Kapoor’s introduction to collecting was nurtured by the women in her family, including her mother, Sunita Kapoor, and her aunt Kavita Singh—an acclaimed Mumbai-based interior designer and art curator. Their profound appreciation for South Asian modern artists introduced Sonam to pioneers like Amrita Sher-Gil, who played a vital role in shaping the modern art landscape of India. This early exposure instilled a deep emotional and aesthetic connection, encouraging her to pursue art collecting with passion.
A Thoughtful Collector Supporting Women and Regional Artists
Beyond her initial attraction to art, Kapoor has developed into an intentional collector, specifically gravitating toward supporting women artists and creators working outside the conventional art world’s metropolitan hubs. Her collection prominently features figures such as Arpita Singh and Nilima Sheikh, whose works convey rich cultural narratives with nuanced perspectives. Kapoor’s approach aims to expand visibility for these artists, fostering new conversations around South Asian art.
Trusted Galleries and Mentors Strengthening the Collection
Sonam frequently acquires art through reputable galleries like Jhaveri Contemporary, noted for championing South Asian voices, and sales at international auction houses such as Christie’s and Indian platforms including Saffronart and AstaGuru. Her aunt Kavita Singh acts as a crucial advisor, guiding Kapoor’s collecting with seasoned expertise, while Amrita Jhaveri, co-founder of Jhaveri Contemporary, mentors her in refining acquisition choices that balance instinct with informed insight.
Notable Acquisitions: Stories Beyond the Canvas
One of Kapoor’s earliest purchases was a captivating piece by Manjit Bawa, admired for its vibrant use of color and symbolic depth. More recent additions include works by Jangarh Singh Shyam and a delicate watercolor by Arpita Singh, each echoing distinct artistic languages within the South Asian continuum. A particularly treasured artwork is a piece by Indian American minimalist printmaker Zarina Hashmi, whose acquisition involved an affectionate family bidding exchange, underscoring the personal dimension of collecting.
Kapoor’s Vision: Amplifying South Asian and Female Artistic Voices
Splitting her time between Mumbai and London, Kapoor actively rotates her collection to maintain its vitality and relevance. Passionate about broadening South Asian cultural narratives, she envisions art as a pivotal medium for new dialogues around identity, gender, and place. Kapoor particularly admires contemporary artists such as Jake Grewal and Fiza Khatri, whose work explores themes of queerness and environmental connection while challenging traditional norms. Her commitment is to continuously support such diverse perspectives, thereby enriching the global understanding of South Asian art.
FAQs About Sonam Kapoor’s Art Collecting Journey
Q: What sparked Sonam Kapoor’s interest in art collecting?
A: Inspired by her mother and aunt, Kapoor’s passionate collectors, she was introduced early to influential South Asian modernists and developed an instinctual love for art.
Q: How does she select artists to collect?
A: Sonam emphasizes collecting from women and artists outside mainstream metropolitan centers, aiming to highlight overlooked creative voices.
Q: Can you name some artists featured in her collection?
A: Her collection includes important figures such as Amrita Sher-Gil, Manjit Bawa, Arpita Singh, Nilima Sheikh, Jangarh Singh Shyam, and Zarina Hashmi.
Q: Where does Kapoor usually acquire her artworks?
A: She sources from South Asian galleries like Jhaveri Contemporary, Chemould Prescott, as well as through auctions at Christie’s, Saffronart, and others.
Q: What distinguishes her collection from others?
A: Integrating historical South Asian masters with contemporary, diverse female voices, Kapoor’s collection reflects a unique commitment to fostering both heritage and new artistic expressions.
This article highlights Sonam Kapoor’s dynamic role as a passionate collector, blending familial legacy, thoughtful mentorship, and a vision to amplify marginalized art narratives — making her a highly influential figure in the South Asian art world today.