10 Questions with Arsheen Kaur

Arsheen Kaur, a 17-year-old senior in high school from India, is a talented and driven individual with aspirations of becoming an architect.

Known for her artistic abilities, Arsheen has excelled in the field of art, showcasing her creativity and vision. In addition to her passion for architecture and art, she is also an accomplished writer, having won a silver award in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition for her literary work.

With a strong foundation in both visual and written expression, Arsheen is determined to make her mark in the world of architecture, art and beyond.

@arsheen_2572

INTERVIEW

First of all, can you tell us a bit about what inspired your passion for both art and architecture?

My passion for art and architecture began with my dad, who's an architect. Growing up, I watched him and his team work on plans for buildings and homes. Their creativity seemed limitless, and I was always fascinated by the out-of-this-world designs they produced.
In middle school, I stumbled upon some of my dad's college projects, especially his landscapes and collages, which I found to be masterpieces at that time. It lit a small spark inside me that only grew over time.
When I transitioned to a boarding school in 7th grade, I was captivated by the art school there. It felt like I already had some connection towards that place, and I knew that if I had the honour of working in that space, I wouldn't let the opportunity pass. My school had a tradition of inter-house art competitions, and during one of these events, my seniors recognized my talent. Their encouragement fueled that early spark, pushing my passion for art and architecture even further.

How do you think your love for art influences your vision of becoming an architect?

My love for art and architecture feels interconnected—each fuels the other and strengthens the vision I have. Over the years, art has taught me to appreciate form, texture and colour, helping me understand how aesthetics impact people's emotions and experiences. This is invaluable in architecture, where I envision creating spaces that aren't just functional but also evoke a sense of wonder and warmth.
Art has also shaped my approach to architecture by making me attentive to detail and open to experimenting with various ideas. I want to bring this creative energy into my designs, blending practicality with beauty. To me, architecture is like large-scale artwork that people can live in and interact with, so I hope to design spaces that tell stories and inspire, much like a painting or a sculpture would.

What are your favourite subjects to draw or paint, and what do you enjoy about them?

I don't have a specific favourite subject when it comes to drawing or painting, but I've become quite accustomed to painting glass bottles since still, life is a part of my school curriculum. There's something captivating about how shadows and lighting constantly shift and dance around the bottles, making each session a unique challenge. It requires patience and careful observation, and capturing those subtle changes never fails to bring a serene sense of satisfaction.

Winning the silver award in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is an amazing achievement. What was your essay about, and what inspired you to write it?

Winning the silver award in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition was a one-of-a-kind experience. The competition presented several topics to choose from, and I selected one that resonated with me the most: "At the heart of the Samoan way of life is 'aiga,' meaning 'family' values including selflessness, hospitality, cooperation, respect, and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance cooperation and community in the Commonwealth?"
Coming from an Indian family, I felt a deep connection to this theme, as many of our cultural values promote unity, compassion and respect. In my essay, I drew upon ideals like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, an ancient Sanskrit phrase meaning "the world is one family," which encourages seeing everyone as interconnected. I also explored Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, which teaches us to foster peace and Seva, or selfless service, a value emphasizing generosity and humility. These concepts, I believe, are universal and can inspire cooperation and compassion within the Commonwealth, creating stronger and more supportive communities across diverse cultures.

Is there a particular architect or artist whose work you admire? How do they inspire you?

For a long time, I've had an almost uncanny admiration for Vincent van Gogh. His work, especially The Starry Night, has always fascinated me. He painted 21 versions of The Starry Night while he was in a mental asylum, and I like to think it symbolized hope for him, a vision that perhaps brought him comfort when few others could understand his struggles, the light amidst the dark that perhaps only he could truly see. 
When I think of Van Gogh, I feel inspired by his resilience and authenticity. He was often misunderstood, but he followed his artistic vision with conviction, never letting judgment or doubt deter him. His story resonates with me as a reminder to be true to oneself and to follow one's vision even when others judge or question.

Do you have a favourite project or piece of artwork that you've created? If so, what makes it special to you?

Recently, I worked on a piece using a new printing technique introduced by my art teacher called etching, and it quickly became one of my favourite projects. The process began by sanding down a zinc plate, onto which I carved a design using a metal needle. After completing the carving, we applied ink over the plate and then rubbed it vigorously so that the ink settled perfectly into the etched grooves before making the print.
I'd previously learnt lino cutting, but etching felt like a unique and more intense experience. I chose a complex, detailed landscape for my design, and by the end of it, the metal needle had ebbed into my fingers, leaving them swollen. Despite the effort and the physical toll, seeing the final print—every intricate line captured on the page—made it all worth it. There was a deep satisfaction in seeing how the technique brought the landscape to life, and it's a piece I'll always value for the process as much as the result.

How do you balance your interests in art, writing, and schoolwork? Do these activities ever overlap or inspire each other?

Balancing art, writing, and schoolwork can be challenging, so I often prioritize based on what's most important at the moment. Right now, in my final year of high school, my main focus has to be on my studies. However, when things get overwhelming, I find relief in taking short breaks with art or writing—they're ways for me to recharge. Though academics are my priority right now, art and writing remain close by, providing a creative outlet when I need it most.

Looking ahead, what kind of projects or structures would you love to design as an architect?

Looking ahead, I envision designing projects that push boundaries and create experiences rather than just structures. I'm drawn to ideas that feel unconventional, almost as if they're from another world, bringing together creativity and innovation in a way that resonates deeply with me.
One concept that excites me is designing a building with an exterior that mirrors the atmosphere of The Starry Night. Imagine walking up to a structure that feels like you've stepped right into Van Gogh's painting, with swirling blues, vibrant stars and textured elements that play with light and shadow. This design would create a sense of wonder, as if the structure itself is alive, reflecting the themes of hope and beauty found in Van Gogh's work. I hope to design buildings that aren't just functional spaces but immersive experiences that evoke emotions and challenge conventional architectural expectations.

What advice would you give to other young people who are passionate about art, writing, or architecture?

My advice to other young people passionate about art, writing or architecture is to keep pushing forward, no matter what. There will always be people who may go out of their way to bring you down or doubt your abilities. The important thing is to not lose hope and to keep moving forward, whatever the circumstances. Criticism and obstacles are inevitable, and while many may stand in your way, only a few will truly support you and believe in your journey. Learn to recognize those who genuinely care and stay close to them, but above all, stay true to yourself and keep pursuing what you love.

Do you have any upcoming projects or goals for the future that you're excited about?

After finishing my 12th-grade finals, I'm really excited to dive into some creative projects. One of my main goals is to paint a mural in my room; I have so many ideas I'd love to bring to life on a larger scale. I'm also inspired by Ed Fairburn's Maps series, where he uses road and subway maps as the canvas for intricate ink and pencil portraits. I'd love to try creating a few of these pieces, combining art with cartography in a way that transforms maps into something new and meaningful.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.