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 draws heavily 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 my paintings, adding layers of light and movement that shift with perspective. Through these modern abstract pieces, 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 with a blend of creative and technical skills honed through the Art on 30th Mentorship Program in San Diego. In 2024, he completed courses in abstract painting, color theory, and drawing, refining both his technique and style. Jenveja’s work has been showcased in regional and national exhibitions at Ashton Gallery, The Studio Door, San Diego Watercolor Society, and Covet Art Gallery. Some of his works have also been featured in published regional and national art show collections.
Academically, Jenveja earned a Master’s in Marital & Family Therapy from the University of San Diego, receiving multiple awards. He also holds an MBA in Real Estate & Finance from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Jenveja brings a unique and dynamic perspective to his art practice, balancing his academic aspirations with his creative exploration resulting in distinctive works of art inspired by his Indian heritage.
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
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
Juried Exhibitions & Awards
2025
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, 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
Mentorship Exhibition by Ashton Gallery; Published 2025
Blackout, National Exhibition 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
