Viya Contemporary recently opened in Bellevue with Roots Reimagined, featuring works by sixteen celebrated Indian artists. Founded by Vinaya Rao, the gallery will showcase both local and international creators, with a focus on emerging talents from India. I spoke with Rao about her vision for the gallery, future goals, and why nurturing an inclusive space that represents diverse, emerging voices is so important to her. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Savita Krishnamoorthy: Can you share the journey that led you to open this gallery and the inspiration behind the concept for this new space?
Vinaya Rao: My journey into the art world has always been rooted in storytelling and connection. I grew up in India, surrounded by books, pigments, and endless curiosity, thanks to my father, who was both an artist and a thinker. He showed me early on that art isn’t just something to be looked at; it’s a language that can move people, challenge ideas, and bring us closer together. Years later, after stepping away from a corporate path and immersing myself in Seattle’s vibrant creative scene, I realized I wanted to build something more than just my own studio practice. I dreamed of a space where art could live in dialogue with people’s lives, where it wasn’t just seen, but felt.
That dream initially became Viya Contemporary in Pioneer Square but has now transitioned to Bellevue Downtown. It’s not just a gallery; it’s a gathering space, a cultural incubator, and a platform for underrepresented voices. We showcase artists whose works spark reflection and emotion, and we’re passionate about making art accessible both in spirit and in practice. We especially champion emerging South Asian voices, offering them a platform to shine in a global context.
SK: In what ways do your cultural roots shape the vision and mission of Viya Contemporary?
VR: My cultural roots are not just part of my story; they are the essence of Viya Contemporary. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by color, ritual, and storytelling. Whether it was the intricate details of a handwoven textile or the lyrical rhythm of a folktale, I learned that creativity is a way of understanding the world and our place in it. That ethos is at the heart of Viya. We celebrate cultural narratives in all their complexity—simultaneously honoring tradition while embracing the new. It is important to me that our space feels inclusive and rooted, where artists from different backgrounds can bring their unique identity to the canvas. We don’t just exhibit art; we showcase lived experience, personal history, and the beauty of cultural diversity.
SK: What inspired the decision to relocate Viya Contemporary to Bellevue?
VR: Bellevue feels like the perfect home for Viya. It’s a city that’s growing quickly, and along with that growth comes a hunger for culture, dialogue, and diverse perspectives. I love that Bellevue is both cosmopolitan and community-oriented; it’s full of people who are curious, open-minded, and eager to engage with something meaningful. Being at The Avenue gives us a modern, expansive space that invites visitors to slow down and experience the art. We’ve had many people walk in who have never been to a gallery before, and that’s exactly what we want: to make art approachable, not intimidating. From seasoned collectors, first-time art lovers, tech professionals, and families, our strategic location ensures the art is accessible to a diverse audience.
SK: What was the curatorial process for selecting the artists and works featured in your inaugural exhibition, Roots Reimagined?
VR: Roots Reimagined was born from a desire to explore how identity, heritage, and personal history shape who we are today. I was drawn to artists from South Asia who explore these themes, blending the past and present with contemporary and cultural expression. Every artist brings their unique perspective to the show, from abstract compositions to mixed media works grounded in personal archives. We curated the collection to reflect a diversity not just in style, but in the stories being told. There’s a quiet intimacy to some works contrasted by a bold, provocative energy in others. But they all share a common thread: they ask us to reflect on where we come from, and how that journey informs who we’re becoming.
SK: What are your upcoming plans for the gallery?
VR: We are just getting started, and I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead. Our next exhibition, Northwest Narratives, opens in August. It’s a group show spotlighting female artists from the Pacific Northwest who are working in contemporary, abstract, and representational styles. The works explore themes of place, identity, and collective memory, each piece offering a unique visual story grounded in personal experience.
Beyond that, we are planning a robust calendar of events: artist talks, workshops, and community gatherings that invite people to engage more deeply with the work and with each other. Our long-term vision is to make Viya more than a gallery; it’s a living, breathing part of the cultural fabric here. A space where creativity and community come together.
Roots Reimagined takes place at Viya Contemporary from June 21st to September 30th, 2025.
