From Chennai to New York
Teaching Art & Culture at NYAA
This summer, I stepped into a new role as Adjunct Faculty at the New York Academy of Art (NYAA) in New York City. My course, Art & Culture: Museums, Galleries, Artist Studios, invited students to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural fabric — not just in the classroom, but out in the streets, galleries, and museums that make New York such a unique art capital.
Over four weeks, we:
Walked through Chelsea and Tribeca galleries (David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth, Pace, The Untitled Space, and more)
Spent time at MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum, looking at both Dada and contemporary works
Visited nonprofit and artist-run spaces like A.I.R. Gallery
Debated beauty vs. message in painting, and unpicked myths around gallery representation
Reflected on what it means to build an artistic practice in New York today
What stayed with me most was the energy of the classroom — students making connections between history, context, and their own voices. Their final presentations revealed not only technical and conceptual growth, but also a sharper awareness of where they situate themselves within the wider art ecosystem.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Here are a few takeaways that continue to resonate with me — lessons that feel equally valuable whether you’re in New York, Chennai, or anywhere else:
Inspiration is active — it comes from engaging with diverse art forms, not waiting for ideas to appear.
Context matters — history transforms how we create and interpret.
Community is essential — art thrives when shared with peers, mentors, and institutions.
Reflection fuels growth — pausing after an encounter deepens creative thinking.
Critical dialogue sparks innovation — tough conversations on representation push practice forward.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
For many of you who have been my students in India, this milestone feels like a continuation of our journey together. Teaching in New York carried forward the curiosity and energy I first encountered in Chennai classrooms.
I’ve also launched a new website to share recent projects and updates from my NYC practice: www.pragatigunasekart.com
Teaching at NYAA reminded me that art education isn’t only about technique — it’s about opening doors to context, community, and critical dialogue. That’s a lesson I’ll continue carrying forward.
—
Pragati Gunasekar
ex-Adjunct Faculty, New York Academy of Art