When people are confined to their homes, and the machine of the global economy comes to all but a screeching halt, art becomes a rare form of solace. Art also becomes a means of sharing experiences—the pandemic does not affect us all equally. Art reminds those who are lucky enough to have homes to be quarantined in, to remain employed and be financially stable—that there are many who are less fortunate. Art allows communities to engage with the world at large—it allows people a window into a world they would otherwise have no access to.

Monsoon Malabar reached out to art professionals from India and overseas, to discuss how the pandemic has influenced, affected, or changed their work—and what they believe the future holds for the world of art.