I am inspired by the opulent textiles and rich, saturated colors in the tapestries of my Indian culture.
ABOUT ME AND MY ART
Artist Statement
Growing up in the American Midwest, I lived at the intersection of two vibrant but contrasting cultures. Inside my home, life was a reflection of India, filled with colorful saris, intricate gold jewelry, the sounds of Bollywood music, and the rich aromas of spices from my mother’s cooking. Outside, I navigated a Westernized world that often felt unfamiliar, despite being the only home I had ever known. This cultural dichotomy shaped my identity and creative expression, inspiring me to celebrate the harmony and tension between these two worlds through my art.
My work often draws on the rich tapestry of Indian culture, with its opulent textiles, vivid colors, and shimmering metallics. Gold and other reflective elements play a central role in many of my paintings, adding layers of light and movement that shift with perspective. I create both abstract and figurative abstract pieces, often featuring animals like elephants and tigers that reflect cultural significance while allowing space for personal interpretation. Through these modern compositions, I aim to evoke the splendor of Indian festivals and ceremonies, blending tradition with contemporary techniques. Each piece is a celebration of beauty, culture, and the interplay of light and texture, inviting viewers to explore the dynamic emotions and stories woven into the canvas.
Biography
AJ (Anuj) Jenveja is an award-winning abstract artist whose work spans both pure abstraction and abstract figurative expression, characterized by rich texture, movement, and refined composition. A graduate of the Art on 30th Mentorship Program in San Diego, Jenveja further developed his signature style through focused study in a variety of coursework and workshops related to abstract painting, color theory, and drawing.
His work has been showcased in solo exhibitions as well as regional and national juried shows at Ashton Gallery, The Studio Door, the San Diego Watercolor Society, and Covet Art Gallery, with select pieces featured in published art catalogs. In 2025, Jenveja was invited to speak at the Mingei International Museum as part of the Mental Wellness for Artists Expo, where two of his paintings were exhibited.
Blending creative intuition with a unique background and degrees in Therapy, Business, and Engineering, Jenveja brings both depth and precision to his art practice. His paintings often draw subtle influence from his Indian heritage, reflecting a balance of expressive freedom and refined craftsmanship.
CV
Education
2024 Art on 30th, Mentorship Program
Classes and Training:
Intro to Abstract Acrylic Painting
Intermediate Abstract Painting
Advanced Abstract Painting
Color Mixing Basics
Color Scheme Harmony
Abstract Drawing
Mixed Media Workshop
The Expressive Figure Workshop
MA, University of San Diego, Marital & Family Therapy (MFT)
MBA, University of California at Berkeley, Real Estate & Finance
BS, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Mechanical Engineering
Solo Exhibitions
2025 - Colors of Bombay, San Diego, CA; Hosted by Tracy Baker, Coldwell Banker West
2025 - Emotion X Connection, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Juried Exhibitions & Awards
2025
Blackout, 5th Annual National Exhibition, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Everyone Tells a Story, Watercolor Society, San Diego, CA
PROUD+ National Exhibition, The Studio Door, San Diego, CA
Mental Wellness for Artists Expo, Mingei International Museum, San Diego, CA
Third Time’s the Charm, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA - Best in Show Award
Fresh Artworks, The Studio Door, San Diego, CA
No Theme, Theme Show, Covet Art Gallery, Oceanside, CA
Vibrations, San Diego Watercolor Society, San Diego, CA
Visions of Vermillion, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
2024
Fresh, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Splendid Summer, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Golden Autumn, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Blackout, 4th Annual National Exhibition, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Holiday in the Gallery, Mentorship Exhibition (series), Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
2023
Viva Magenta, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Autumn Glory, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Publications
PROUD+ 2025, National Exhibition Catalog by The Studio Door; Published 2025
Mentorship Exhibition Catalog by Ashton Gallery; Published 2025
Blackout, National Exhibition Catalog by Ashton Gallery; Published 2024
Professional Experience Summary
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Prior business and management experience with an MBA and 18+ years in corporate and start-up environments
