Deepa Paulus on Embracing Life's Color Through Art

Meet the Homegirl: Artist at the Metropolitan Museum, Tabla Artist

story by Rachel Sampson

illustration by Malavika Kannan

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. No matter the type, it plays a significant role in the lives of humans on a day to day basis, even if we don't realize it. From music to digital artwork, Deepa Paulus emits pure individualism through her artistry and musical sense. She is the aesthetic for young women in art today, whether she's building up her career through a prestigious positition with the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, or playing her cultural tabla drums for crowds in Los Angeles.

The creativity Deepa possesses has always been effortless for her. Beginning with drawing and using her imagination for creativity, Deepa has always had an eye for the arts. At age 13, she entered Fiorello H. LaGuardia High school of Music, Art, and the Performing Arts, where she ventured out of her comfort zone in dance and music, still not really in tune with her artistic side.

As senior year approached, she knew she needed to prepare for college. Her father suggested she take a digital media class, sparking her interest almost immediately. Deepa took the class twice and loved it so much that it led her to choose one of the most difficult majors at the School of Visual Arts: BFA Computer Art.

At this point, there was no time for dance or music; it was just school 24/7. Although she was very focused, Deepa still longed to be at peace within music, but she also wanted to showcase what she had learned in college. During her senior year of college, she developed the first 360 degree (VR) film, starring a Hindu goddess named Hinda. She took what she knew and broadcast it, which was the big stepping stone before she applied to the MET.

Recognizing her artistry and view of culture as an art, the world-famous museum hired her. Now, she has been there for almost months doing what she loves: digital and traditional art. She also spends some time playing tabla, an instrument that has shaped her love for music further.

Deepa encourages WOC to accept their rich skin color(s) and urges Indians to look past the hierarchy of the Caste System that still plagues the country tremendously. Enjoying life is something this Homegirl stresses, but she still wants us to care for each other. To her, art is the first step.