Today we’d like to introduce you to Niladri Sarker.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has taken me from the farthest reaches of space exploration to the heart of artistic expression. I began my professional career as a senior scientist collaborating with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where I led research on the possibility of life on Saturn’s moon Titan and helped plan future missions to the outer solar system. I also served as the regional chair of The SETI League, supporting the global search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
But while science shaped my early career, art has always been my true language. Over the years, I transitioned fully into the creative world, exhibiting my work in galleries across North America, Europe, and Asia. Today, I channel that passion into TERAVARNA Art Gallery, which I founded as a space to celebrate bold, thought-provoking, and globally inspired artistic voices.
Much of my recent work focuses on endangered species and disappearing tribal cultures—stories I tell through vivid paintings, evocative photography, and immersive video. This mission has taken me to 103 countries across six continents, capturing moments that speak to both the fragility and resilience of life.
In addition to my visual work, I’ve authored a children’s book, I Wonder Why: The Living World, and a science-fiction book, Mesh: A Sci-Fi Quartet, both available on Amazon. I’ve also contributed essays and illustrations to books, magazines, and newspapers, including a long-standing column for The Telegraph where I explored the intersections of art, culture, and science.
Recently, I’ve written and directed the short film ‘The Translator,’ which has received critical acclaim from viewers. My second film, ‘Ice-cream,’ also written and directed by me, is in its post-production stage.
I hold a Ph.D. in chemistry and currently live in the Los Angeles area, where I balance my time between teaching, traveling, creating, and curating at TERAVARNA.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any meaningful venture, the road to building TERAVARNA Art Gallery has been anything but smooth—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. From the beginning, the vision for TERAVARNA was ambitious: to create a truly global platform that brings together diverse artistic voices from every corner of the world. But turning that vision into reality came with its share of challenges.
One of the early hurdles was breaking through the noise of the art world. With so many galleries and platforms competing for attention, establishing TERAVARNA as a space that values depth, authenticity, and international reach took persistence and careful curation. We were committed to showcasing not just established names but also emerging talents with powerful stories to tell—artists whose voices often go unheard in traditional art circles.
Logistically, operating an international-facing gallery meant navigating time zones, cultural differences, shipping complexities, and a constantly evolving digital landscape. The pandemic years brought their own unique struggles, forcing us to pivot quickly and rethink how art could be experienced virtually without losing its emotional impact.
But each obstacle also clarified our purpose. It pushed us to innovate, to build stronger connections with artists and audiences alike, and to deepen our commitment to art that challenges, inspires, and connects across borders. Today, TERAVARNA stands not only as a gallery but as a community—and that, more than anything, makes every struggle along the way worthwhile.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about TERAVARNA?
What We Do & Specialize In
TERAVARNA Art Gallery is a global platform dedicated to supporting and showcasing artists from around the world. We host bi-monthly juried art competitions and artist grants twice a year, awarding substantial prize money to both emerging and established artists. Each competition revolves around diverse themes—from color and water to portraiture and wildlife—offering artists a wide range of opportunities to be seen and celebrated.
Our hybrid model blends a strong digital presence with physical participation in major international art fairs, including the LA Art Show, Seattle Art Fair, Focus London, Superfine Art Fair, and the Budapest International Art Show (artBIAS). Through our curated online exhibitions and Marketplace, artists are empowered to sell their work with the support of SEO optimization, targeted digital marketing, and a transparent commission structure designed to maximize visibility and opportunity.
What Sets Us Apart
TERAVARNA, which translates to “a trillion colors,” represents our commitment to artistic diversity, wonder, and innovation. We are known for championing bold, global voices in all mediums—painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more.
Our gallery stands out not only for its expansive artist network but also for our mission-driven focus on inclusivity, creative freedom, and tangible opportunities for exposure and growth. We believe in offering artists more than a platform – we offer them a path forward.
Brand Achievements & Highlights
- Distributed over $168,650 in prize money and grants to more than 11,805 artists worldwide.
- Launched and curated artBIAS — Budapest International Art Show, debuting with a diverse group of artists from across the globe.
- Earned recognition for delivering a supportive, artist-centric gallery experience, often likened to the best of SoHo and the Champs-Élysées.
- Showcased artists and their work at premier events such as the LA Art Show, and Superfine Art Fair in New York and San Francisco.
What You Should Know About Us
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or art enthusiast, TERAVARNA offers something unique:
For artists: A trusted partner that provides global exposure, career-building competitions and grants, and opportunities to sell and exhibit on a meaningful scale—both online and in physical art fairs.
For collectors: Access to carefully curated, museum-quality works by artists from around the world, all available through a streamlined online platform and supported by major art fair appearances.
For the global art community: A forward-thinking, inclusive, and accessible space that bridges geography and celebrates artistic voices that deserve to be heard and seen.
In essence, TERAVARNA is more than an art gallery — it’s a movement toward a more connected, equitable, and inspired art world.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is authentic expression—the ability for individuals to tell their stories, share their perspectives, and connect with others through creative honesty. Whether through art, science, or writing, I believe that authenticity is the foundation of meaningful impact.
In a world that often prioritizes speed over substance, I’m driven by the belief in slowing down—to truly see, listen, and understand. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to creating platforms like TERAVARNA, where artists from all backgrounds can be seen and heard on their own terms. Because when people express who they truly are, it not only transforms them—it inspires others, challenges assumptions, and helps shape culture in meaningful, lasting ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teravarna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teravarna/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/teravarnaartgallery
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teravarna/
- Twitter: https://x.com/teravarna
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TERAVARNA
