Gurjeet speaks to Blur The Border :

Blur : Your first creative inspirations stem from younger days spent with your elder sisters and assisting your father. When and how did you realize ‘art’ would become your niche?

Gurjeet : My earliest inspiration came from the women in my family. There wasn’t a single defining moment for me—not even during my postgraduate years did I know exactly what I wanted to do. But I have always believed that if you enjoy something and have a knack for it, you’ll naturally find your way. Life slowly guided me to where I am now. Academics wasn’t my strength, but I felt I could thrive in art, which is why I chose to study it. I have followed the course of my journey, letting it flow naturally, much like water finding its path.

Blur : Soft sculptures are quite niche, and you have made a signature style in this medium. What draws you to soft sculptures and how did you develop a signature style or did it evolve naturally for you? 

Gurjeet : It’s gratifying to know that this has become my signature style. I have always followed my heart, never overthinking or questioning why I am doing something—I just create. Sculptures, for me, offer endless possibilities. Each material brings its own unique effect—cotton or denim, for example, evokes entirely different feelings. With every show, something new emerges, guiding me in unexpected directions. For instance, in this show, I kept wondering why the cloth was tearing, only to realize it was the ‘zari’ thread I was using. Discovering this was thrilling—it sparked questions and made me see the materials in a new light. Each material has its own character and challenges, often taking on a life of its own. When I first made sculptures, I didn’t even know they would be called soft sculptures. It all started with a keychain I made for a friend—I simply enjoyed the process. Interestingly, when people first saw my work, they assumed it was created by a female artist or that I had asked my sisters to make it. These assumptions resonated deeply with my experiences of not fitting into heteronormative male standards. That sense of misfit became central to my practice. The questions my work provoked mirrored the stereotypes I wanted to challenge and dismantle. Through these mediums, I found a way to give voice to my feelings and experiences—transforming them into something powerful and deeply personal.

Blur : Do you have a definitive process while creating? Are there any habits or rituals that help you get into a creative mindset?

Gurjeet : Not really. I don’t follow a set process or ritual when creating. I simply explore different materials and shapes, and my work unfolds from there. What I find most fascinating is when things don’t go as planned—like when fabric folds unexpectedly or tears. It’s in these moments that the work takes on its own direction, propelling my ideas forward. I also enjoy engaging with people, hearing their experiences, and learning from them. These conversations and my observations of others are major influences on my work, adding new layers and stories to the creative process.

Blur : How does working with discarded fabrics and found objects shape the narratives you want to tell through your art? Do you feel the materials themselves carry a story or history that influences your creations?

Gurjeet : Yes, discarded fabrics allow me to tell a variety of stories, each unique and meaningful. I find it beautiful that every piece of cloth carries its own journey. Some are discarded due to color or print defects, while others—like the buttons I have worked with—are rejected for not meeting the "correct" shape. These materials are deemed flawed because they deviate from what they were "meant to be." Through my work, I question these notions: What defines beauty? What dictates perfection? Discarded materials enable me to weave their stories with mine, creating a shared visual language. In my last show, I used broken beads, which I found captivating. Their brokenness spoke of objects and emotions once dismissed, and by incorporating them into my art, I gave them a new purpose—something beyond their labels of being broken, discarded, or imperfect. These materials become a medium of self-expression, turning what was once overlooked into something powerful and meaningful.

Blur : Your work explores a variety of themes, particularly identity, and how loss and love shape them, alongside LGBTQ stories. How do you conceptualize these themes into tangible forms through your art?

Gurjeet : You missed sustainability. My materials allow me to tell both my stories and those of others. I don’t control the outcome; the work takes on a life of its own. These stories and experiences, expressed through my art, spark conversations and can inspire change. What I struggle to convey through words finds its voice in my creations, making the process deeply healing for me. The final form is always guided by the material itself, dictating its own tangible expression.

Blur : There are a lot of intense emotions in these themes and yet your sculptors embody a very maximalist and vivid colour code. What is the conscience behind the contrast and the atmosphere you aim to create?

Gurjeet : Your work is a reflection of who you are—a seamless extension of yourself. Yes, my creations speak to aspects often hidden from society, drawn from deep within me. They hold the potential to spark change, even while navigating harsh realities. The materials I work with bring an array of colors and patterns, and I let them guide me, choosing what resonates most in the moment. Like me, they stay vibrant and vivid, even amid life’s darker truths. Through my work, I hope to bring people together, encouraging conversations and uncovering its many layers.

Blur : Your works also explore multiple mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawing, sound, and performances. What unifying artistic lens or philosophy guides you across the diversity of these?

Gurjeet : Every medium offers unique possibilities, and I genuinely enjoy exploring them. When I’m in front of an audience, I find performances especially powerful—they allow me to connect directly with their mind and emotions, creating space for metaphor and new ways to engage. Sound, for instance, resonates differently, touching both the heart and the brain. I also value the opportunity to collaborate and engage with so many people during performances, something I would miss if I were confined solely to my studio. In the studio, however, the experience is entirely different. If beads fall and break, they tell a story, and I feel as though I am reading it and sharing it with others. The textures and characteristics of materials evoke a tactile narrative that often informs my performances. For example, during my performance at the India Art Fair, I was drowning mud in water and unexpectedly discovered small stones in the mud. This unplanned element added a new elegance to the performance, leaving my hands and feet scarred. These spontaneous occurrences often steer my work in unexpected directions, creating a dialogue between chaos and order. The unpredictability of working with materials mirrors my inner thoughts, lending authenticity and depth to my creative process.

Blur : Are there any other mediums you are looking to explore in the future?

Gurjeet : I am dying to explore printmaking. Back in college, I took extra classes in it, but it felt like those four years were just enough to grasp the basics of the techniques. Now, I am ready to fully explore the medium. I am also drawn to ceramics, experimenting with quilt and rug techniques, and even creating interactive installations. The possibilities ahead excite me, and I am open to discovering and embracing whatever comes next.

Blur : How has your artistic style evolved since you started out in the industry, and how do you view this evolution?

Gurjeet : As an artist, you don’t always notice your own evolution—it’s often others who point it out to you. I simply follow my thoughts and questions, searching for answers along the way. Hearing others reflect on my journey offers a unique perspective and is always insightful.

Blur : You have worked on several collaborations in the past for example with labels like Bodice, and Byredo to name a few. Any other collaboration you would love to do outside of your discipline?

Gurjeet :  Some collaborations are coming. and I am always open to exploring new ones. Collaborations have a way of pushing me beyond the boundaries of my thoughts and practice. It’s inspiring to connect with people who bring diverse experiences and unique mediums to their art. Currently, I am collaborating with Jaipur Rugs and their artisans, and I’m thrilled to present a new body of work infused with fresh stories, materials, and techniques. Working alongside these artisans not only enriches my creations but also offers me so much to learn from their craftsmanship and perspectives.