Meet Dr Masooma Rizvi, the art curator for the Maharishi Valmiki International Ayodhya Airport

(March 7, 2024) Dr. Masooma Rizvi is an art curator, architect, designer, museum curator, businesswoman, writer, critic, cultural envoy, mentor, and trainer, all rolled into one. A passionate advocate of presenting the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage in all her endeavours, Dr. Masooma Rizvi has curated the Emblem for the New Parliament House, inaugurated in 2021, on behalf of Tata Projects Pvt Ltd, designed interior spaces for Rashtrapathi Bhawan in 2011 when Pratibha Patil was the President of India, curated the murals at the Maharishi Valmiki International Ayodhya Airport, and many more.

Dr Masooma Rizvi

Art as a calling

As a child, Masooma Rizvi would spend hours redecorating her dollhouses, cutting up walls and rearranging furniture until they were exactly to her liking. The family also travelled extensively, visiting museums around the world Growing up was also a whirlwind of new cities and experiences, as her father was an officer in the Indian Army. The family moved around a lot, but Telangana, where she was born and “spent a significant chunk of her childhood,” holds a special place in her heart. During those years, her grandmother, or amma, as she called her, was a big influence on young Masooma. “Amma was ahead of her time, always pushing me to explore, take on leadership roles and encouraging me to pursue my passions, even when they seemed out of reach,” she recalls. Through her, Masooma learned that excellence knows no age. “I was often the youngest in most classrooms and in extracurricular activities,” she recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. At school and university, she was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, from mock UN sessions to public speaking, which shaped her problem-solving and leadership skills.

Masooma also loved art, and since her family travelled extensively, Masooma visited museums around the world, where she would see the intersection of design and technology used to captivate visitors. However, back in India, she would visit government buildings and Army offices with her father, which looked plain and drab in comparison. When she eventually began her career as a curator, she did so by beautifying Army messes and museums. However, when she first toyed with the idea of art as a profession, her parents encouraged her to do science instead, as she was a good student. She followed their advice, even though her heart was elsewhere. Besides, Masooma had met her now husband at the age of 18, and wanted to ensure she followed her mother’s advice of always remaining economically independent.

Wearing Multiple Hats

Dr Masooma Rizvi at the inauguration of the Chennai Airport

The greatest influence on her career as a designer and curator was former President APJ Abdul Kalam. He wanted a hut built in Rashtrapati Bhavan and a call was issued to artists to share their designs. Masooma sent hers in too – her idea was to get people from Northeastern India to make an eco-friendly bamboo hut and then paint on that. The idea, and the simplicity of her approach appealed to Dr Kalam. That project marked the start of her journey with government buildings and structures.

Rizvi has always believed in the inspirational words Abdul Kalam said to her, “you have to dream before your dreams come true” and in her life many roles happened quite organically because she dreamed of making a difference in many ways. “Diving into multiple creative roles has been both challenging and thrilling. I started my journey with interior design, which was my gateway into the world of creativity and space optimization. That opened doors to art curation and museology, where I could expand my skill set and really challenge myself with projects that demanded high levels of creativity under tight deadlines,” she says. Being passionate about guiding artisans and students directly, fostering an environment in which ideas can flourish, she does that either directly or by participating in panels and exhibitions that helps her stay connected to the creative community while also learning and growing.

Art curator

As a job that has no set timelines and never truly ends, curating art she admits is a task that requires a fine balance between artistic intuition and strategic planning. When curating art for projects, especially those with governmental oversight, she dives deep into the space’s history, its architectural significance, and the vision behind the project. “The key is curating art that speaks not just about the space itself but tells the stories we want to tell within those walls. My process is meticulous, ensuring each piece of art aligns with the project’s broader narrative and aesthetic. It’s complex but incredibly rewarding, demanding a deep understanding of art, its cultural significance, and how to integrate it seamlessly into the designated spaces,” she explains.

Artworks at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

Global focus

She describes her work abroad, on projects in China and Bahrain, that were distinct in their challenges and learning, as eye opening. In the White Horse Temple project in China, her team constructed a building reminiscent of a stupa, housing over 300 artworks. “The project was about creating a dialogue between cultures through art, tracing the journey of Buddhism from India across the globe,” she explains. In Bahrain, she worked on the Indo-Bahrain friendship mural at the Indian Embassy, which celebrated the longstanding connections between the two countries through symbolic art. The mural tells the story of the historical trade relationship, where India sent silks and spices in exchange for Bahrain’s pearls. “It was a lovely way to represent the deep-rooted relationship between two countries that has stood the test of time. In the centre of the mural is the tree of life, a significant concept in both countries,” she says. These projects were challenging but extremely rewarding as they highlight the important role art plays in storytelling, cultural exchange, and creating impact.

Bespoke solutions

She started Belita Design Solutions with a desire to challenge the status quo in interior design and to honour the creative process in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to break away from the traditional 9-5 where new ideas were stifled and cookie cutter solutions were the norm. At Belita Design Solutions, our ethos is built around crafting bespoke solutions that go beyond aesthetics to address the functionality and soul of a space. We aim to steer clear of one-size-fits-all solutions, instead focusing on tailoring our designs to meet the unique needs and narratives of each space. This approach has allowed us to tackle a wide array of projects, pushing the boundaries of design and setting new benchmarks in the industry,” she says.

Museum musings

Entering museology she says, was about marrying a passion for history and art with a commitment to education and public engagement. “It is essential to immerse yourself in the museum world, understanding not just the theoretical aspects but the practical challenges of curating and managing museum spaces. The role of a museologist goes beyond curation; it’s about making museums interactive, engaging, and educational spaces that invite visitors to explore and learn. This field requires a deep love for art and history, along with the creativity to present it in ways that resonate with todays and tomorrow’s audiences,” she explains on her role as a museologist.

A fulfilling journey

Her journey has taught her that there is always a solution to every challenge if you are willing to seek it out. Each project is unique, necessitating a tailored approach that balances creativity with practicality. “Learning the value of strategic thinking, understanding project goals, and finding the best path to achieve them have been key lessons. Also, recognizing the importance of rest and recharging has been instrumental in maintaining my enthusiasm and creativity in my work,” she says. Facing challenges head-on has been a hallmark of her career, navigating the complexities of design or pushing creative boundaries, using a mix of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. An artist herself painting, travelling, and reading are her free time indulgences. “As my team grows and becomes more autonomous, I anticipate Belita Design Solutions venturing into more ambitious and creative projects, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and art,” she concludes.

• Learn more about Dr Masooma Rizvi and Belita Design Solutions on the company website.