February 2025
Honey Nigam
Honey Nigam, Installation View, NEED TITLE, DATE, YEAR
“My paitnings are inspired by the opulence of Haute Joaillerie. They merge elements of Haute Joaillerie and art. I incorporate materials like resin, gem dust and precious stones, reminiscent of high-end jewelry design.”
Interview by Ricky Lee
The use of precious gems and jewel dust in art, particularly painting, has evolved over time, from the ancient Egyptians and Romans through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the Modern and Contemporary periods, reflecting advances in technology, artistic expression, and cultural influences. Today, artists continue to push the boundaries of this ancient yet vibrant medium. One such artist is the Jaipur, India and New York-based painter Honey Nigam.
In her work Nigam, an innovative master of her craft, beautifully intertwines the realms of haute galleries and contemporary art. Having grown up in the vibrant city of Jaipur, India, Honey reflects here on how her rich cultural heritage and the city’s artistic legacy have profoundly shaped her journey. With a background in gemology, she skillfully incorporates precious stones and unique materials into her minimalist paintings, evoking deep emotional responses and inviting viewers to engage with their inner selves.
As Ricky Lee explore her artistic inspirations, working processes, and the intricate interplay of light and texture, Honey shares insights into her latest series, LIME—"Life in Minimalist Emotion"—which encapsulates the essence of human emotion through simplicity and elegance.
Honey Nigam, Installation View, NEED TITLE, DATE, YEAR
Ricky Lee: You grew up in Jaipur, in India. How would you describe your early days there.
Honey Nigam: Growing up in Jaipur, India, was an incredible experience filled with cherished memories. I was raised in a large close-knit extended family, where every day was a celebration. As the only girl and the youngest among all the children, I enjoyed constant attention and adventure.
I’ve always loved the outdoors and had a passion for sports, especially cricket. Exploring Jaipur’s rich cultural history was another highlight—visiting its majestic palaces, intriguing museums, and beautiful temples left a lasting impression on me.
What stood out most, though, were the city’s vibrant festivals. Jaipur truly came alive during celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors; Diwali, the festival of lights and our new year; and my personal favorite, the Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti). Those festive moments were magical and deeply memorable, filled with excitement, joy and amazing food.
RL: How has the city influenced you?
HN: I share a deep and special bond with my city, Jaipur. Steeped in culture and creativity, the city has been an endless source of inspiration. Its vibrant blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, paired with its warm and hospitable spirit, has made it a haven for art and artists alike.
A defining example of this artistic legacy is the vision of King Sawai Jai Singh II, who extended his patronage to artisans from across the country. By inviting them to settle in Jaipur, he laid the foundation for the city’s renowned gemstone industry, establishing it as the gemstone capital of the world. This rich history introduced me to the shimmering allure of gemstones and their captivating beauty.
For me, Jaipur is not just a city. It’s my cradle of inspiration and eternal muse. My journey into the world of art is, without a doubt, a gift from this magnificant place.
Honey Nigam, Installation View, NEED TITLE, DATE, YEAR
RL: Your paintings are meant to evoke certain emotions and states of mind. Please explain.
HN: My paintings aim to explore the deeper layers of our world and the emotions we experience in response to it. They are designed to encourage people to pause, reflect, and connect with their inner selves, offering a unique and personal perspective to each viewer.
Every piece I create is a reflection of human emotions and the subtle yet powerful ways they shape our lives. I believe that simplicity in art has a special ability to calm the mind, invite introspection, and help us to see the beauty in the little things we often overlook. My hope is that my work inspires people to find peace, meaning, and a sense of connection through its quiet elegance.
RL: When did you first become interested in art?
HN: My journey into art began in my early childhood around the age of five or six. I would spend hours coloring and sketching, often drawing tiny houses and landscapes. These simple creations were cherished by everyone around me, and their encouragement sparked a passion that has only deepened over time.
I was fascinated by the process of experimenting with colors, patterns, and textures, as well as observing how light played across surfaces. This sparked my curiosity about the endless ways art can be perceived and the emotions it can evoke.
In those early moments, art was my therapy, a way to express myself and find peace. Over time, it grew into my lifelong passion and a powerful means of connecting with the world.
Honey Nigam, Installation View, NEED TITLE, DATE, YEAR
RL: You are also a gemologist. How does that training apply to the work that you do?
HN: As both a gemologist and an artist, my gemology training deeply influences and enhances my creative work. These two passions complement each other beautifully.
Gemstones offer a stunning range of colors, from the deep greens of emeralds to the fiery reds of rubies. This knowledge helps me create vibrant and nuanced color combinations that make my art more expressive and emotionally engaging.
The unique textures, patterns, and structures of gemstones inspire me to add layers and depth to my work, making it visually captivating. My training has also taught me how light interacts with gemstones—how diamonds sparkle and opals shimmer—which I incorporate into my art to create mesmerizing effects.
Beyond the visual aspects, gemology has given me an appreciation for the cultural and symbolic. meanings of gemstones. Each stone has its own story and significance, whether it’s the timeless elegance of a sapphire or the calming energy of an amethyst. I weave these meanings into my work, adding rich narratives and deeper connections for my audience.
This blien of art and gemology allows me to create pieces that are both visually stunning and meaningful.
RL: What are some of the precious stones that you work with? Where do you source your materials?
HN: I enjoy working with a wide variety of gemstones and gem dust. While diamonds and the classic trio—rubies, sapphires, and emeralds—are always timeless choices. I also love incorporating more exotic and rare stones such as fire opals, topaz, tanzanite, tourmalines, and many others into my designs.
I began sourcing materials in my hometown of Jaipur, a hub for gemstones, but over time, my network has expanded to include sources in Brazil, Colombia, Tanzania, Mexico, and even the United States. I also regularly attend gemstone and mineral shows worldwide to discover unique and beautiful gems for my work.
Honey Nigam, Installation View, NEED TITLE, DATE, YEAR
RL: What is your working process?
HN: My working process is a carefully crafted journey that brings my minimalist creations to life. It begins with an exploration of color, where I mix a variety of acrylic hues to create a rich and vibrant palette. Next, I apply layers of resin with precision, adding depth, luminosity, and a captivating gloss to the artwork. To enhance texture and drama, I meticulously inlay gemstone and gemstone dust, which introduces a tactile and dynamic element to the piece. This unique combination of colors, resin, and gemstone dust results in visually striking artworks that invite viewers to delve into their intricate layers and discover something new with every glance.
RL: One of your series of paintings is called LIME. Tell me about those works.
HN: LIME is the core theme for my art. It's the foundation I follow for all my artwork, with emotions evolving behind each piece. LIME, "Life in Minimalist Emotion," is a collection of paintings that distill the essence of human emotion into simple, yet powerful, minimalist compositions.
I aim to capture the subtleties of emotional experience, conveying complex feelings and moods through a limited color palette, clean lines, and thoughtful textures.
Each piece in the LIME series is a meditation on the beauty of simplicity and the depth of human emotion, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and connect with their own emotional landscapes.
Honey Nigam, Installation View, NEED TITLE, DATE, YEAR
RL: What are you working on now?
HN: I'm excited to share that I'm currently working on a new series that explores the interplay between light, texture, and emotion.
This series features delicate, layered compositions that evoke a sense of serenity and wonder. I'm using a combination of acrylic paint, resin, and subtle texture to create intricate, luminous pieces that seem to shift and glow in the light.
RL: Would you say that you are merging Haute Joallerie and art in your paintings? How so?
HN: Yes, I incorporate materials like resin and precious stones, reminiscent of high-end jewelry design. The luxurious feel of my paintings is inspired by haute joaillerie's opulence. By combining these elements, I create unique pieces that blur the lines between art and Haute Joaillerie.
Honey Nigam is a New York-based mixed media artist whose paintings explore the intersection between minimalism and human emotions. Originally from India, Nigam holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the International College for Girls, Jaipur, and is certified as a Graduate Gemologist by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
In her practice, Nigam creates works that seamlessly blend her passion for and knowledge of gemstones with her artistic vision, producing vivid yet serene paintings that delve into the profound simplicity of the human spirit, minimalist art that incorporates precious stone dust, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, which add an extra layer of depth and luxury to the overall aesthetic,
A solo exhibition of new works by Nigam will open this Spring during New York Art Week at the Superfine Art Fair.