For thousands of years, traditional Indian art has painted an elaborate story of our culture and history. From the tribal art form Warli to the intricate folk art Madhubani, and from the pastoral scenes of Kangra miniatures to modern artists such as Jitish Kallat and Manisha Parekh, Indian art is a vibrant patchwork of diverse traditions. As a guardian of this heritage, I founded Rooftop with the purpose of not just preserving these traditions but breathing new life into them for the digital age. 

The vision behind Rooftop was born out of a simple truth: the worth of art lies not in its price tag but in its ability to connect, to teach, and to enrich lives. When the world slowed down during the pandemic, we saw a surge in the desire to engage with art at a deeper level. People wanted more than just to own a piece of art; they wanted to understand its story, learn its technique, and incorporate its beauty into their lives. This insight became the foundation of Rooftop’s mission — to create a space where art isn’t just sold but shared, taught, and experienced. 

Our mission took us across the length and breadth of India, from bustling cities with their graffiti-lined streets to remote villages where art is a way of life, passed down through generations. We met artists who create with passion and skill but whose voices were lost in the crowded corridors of commercial galleries. Rooftop aimed to amplify these voices, giving artists a platform to reach an audience that spans the globe. By highlighting their work, we not only shine a light on individual talent but also on the diverse art forms that make up our cultural tapestry. 

One of the most pressing challenges we faced was the scattered and inconsistent information about Indian visual art available online. There was no singular repository that art enthusiasts could turn to for reliable knowledge. Rooftop has been diligently working to address this by creating a comprehensive database that not only showcases a wide range of art forms but also provides standardised information that is easily accessible to everyone.

As we delved deeper into the ecosystem, it became evident that the artists needed a structured platform that offered them the respect and audience they deserved — a place where their art would be valued not just in monetary terms but for the cultural legacy it represents. Rooftop takes a hands-on approach to onboarding artists. I personally meet with artists to understand their craft, their teaching methodology, and their dedication to their art. This ensures that our users are learning from artists who are not just skilled but also passionate about passing on their knowledge.

Navigating the varied personalities and expectations of each artist, aligning them to a unified vision of what Rooftop stands for, and managing the legal aspects of these partnerships posed significant challenges. However, with each artist that came onboard, our community grew stronger. Our successes are measured by the stories of artists who, through Rooftop, have found financial stability, recognition, and a platform to share their art with the world. 

Looking forward, Rooftop’s ambition is to raise the standard and perception of traditional Indian art. We aspire to add a layer of sophistication and class to the entire ecosystem and eventually create a marketplace where art is not just bought and sold but where its cultural significance is celebrated and upheld. We envision Rooftop as a platform where tradition meets innovation, where the rich history of traditional Indian art is accessible to everyone in a format that is engaging, educational, accessible and enjoyable. 

The Rooftop app is your go-to destination for traditional Indian art. Our maestro courses, taught by Padma Shri and National Award winning artists, are perfect for any skill level. Choose from various subscription options to unlock unlimited workshops and find your muse in the ‘Inspire Me’ section or join our community to share and celebrate art with others. Rooftop’s blog and art wiki sections offer a deep dive into the art world, sharing the stories and significance behind each tradition. More than just an app, Rooftop is a vibrant community that cherishes the beauty of Indian art. Join us and let every masterpiece on Rooftop inspire your artistic journey. Begin that journey today by downloading the Rooftop app on Google Play or the App Store!