About Viraj Ponkshe and his ‘ZapinFusion’ Art Style
Viraj Ponkshe is a visionary artist and award-winning Creative Director, renowned for his relentless pursuit of creative evolution. His passion for both art and community earned him Canada’s 'Mississauga-Malton Remarkable Citizen Award 2021,' a testament to his dedication to using creativity as a force for positive change.
A graduate of the prestigious Sir J. J. School of Art in India, Viraj is the creator of 'ZapinFusion – The Art of Self-Evolution.' He believes that self-evolution is driven by life’s catalysts, and his work fuses ancient wisdom with modern expression, creating a whimsical yet profound style. 'ZapinFusion' blends spirituality, mysticism, and cultural influences, offering a connection between past and present with timeless insight. Recognized by Saatchi Art as an ‘Emerging Artist,’ Viraj’s work captivates audiences with vibrant energy and deep meaning, inviting them to explore both the universe and their own inner awareness.
Inspired by the simplicity and mindfulness of Zen minimalism, Viraj’s art creates a powerful sense of presence and connection. Grounded in bold concepts, his creations reflect his global experience as a Creative Director. Working in mixed media, he seamlessly blurs the lines between fine art and commercial creativity, integrating digital art, photography, and graphic design into visually striking, thought-provoking works.
Viraj’s global acclaim includes winning the 'Spiritual Art Awards 2023' and the prestigious MARTYS 2024 (Mississauga Arts Council). His work has been exhibited in renowned galleries across Paris, Switzerland, Toronto, and the U.S., and is featured in private and corporate collections in India, Egypt, Kuwait, Canada, and the U.S.
As a Creative Director, Viraj has collaborated with leading advertising agencies, shaping ad campaigns for iconic brands like Unilever, Pepsi, De Beers, DaimlerChrysler, Coca-Cola, CIBC, RBC, OLG, Bell Canada, and Kruger Products. His work has garnered top industry accolades, including Cannes Lion, London International Award, Cresta Award, and Dubai Lynx, and has been showcased in Lürzer’s International Archive. He has also served as a jury member for the Marketing Awards Canada in both 2019 and 2023.
Viraj Ponkshe’s career in art and advertising is a testament to his unwavering commitment to creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of visual storytelling.
ART EXHIBITS
2024
‘Peace and Harmony’ International Art Exhibit
Dacia Art Gallery, New York, USA
Juried Group Art Show: Oct 2024
Visual Arts of South Asia (VASA) Arts Festival
‘Creative Conversations’ Art Exhibit
Gallery 35, Brampton, Canada
Juried Group Art Show: July 2024
‘Resilience’
Curated by 33 Contemporary Art Gallery, USA
Online Artsy Show: May 2024
‘Collage International Art Carnival 2024.’
Lalitkala Academy, New Delhi, India
Juried Art Show: May 2024
2023
Visual Arts of South Asia (VASA) Arts Festival
‘Of Catharsis & Healing’ Art Exhibit
Gallery 35, Brampton, Canada
Juried Group Art Show: October 2023
OCAD University’s ‘Premaha’ Art Exhibit
Toronto, Canada
Juried Group Art Show: August 2023
OCAD University’s ‘Bharat Darshana’ Art Exhibit
Toronto, Canada
Juried Group Art Show: March 2023
2022
California Art League’s Online Exhibition
Juried Art Show: Oct. 2022
Visual Arts of South Asia (VASA) Arts Festival
Beaux Art Gallery, Brampton, Canada
Juried Group Art Show: July 2022
2021
‘OPENING’.
Curated by Sergio Gomez
Virtual Reality Online Art Exhibition: Sept 1 - Oct. 31, 2021
Visual Arts of South Asia (VASA) Art Exhibition
Group Online Show: July-Aug. 2021
2020
Visual Arts of South Asia (VASA) Art Exhibition
Group Online Show: July-Aug 2020
2019
‘nabs’ Annual Art Auction and Exhibit
Toronto, Canada
May 2019
2016
International Contemporary Art Fair
Montreux, Switzerland
Group Art Show: Nov. 2016
International Art Fair, Carrousel du Louvre
Paris
Group Art Show: Oct. 2016
The Artist’s Project
Toronto, Canada
Juried Art Show: Feb. 2016
AWARDS
ART
- Global Winner – Spiritual Arts Awards
- MARTY’S 2024 – Outstanding Visual Arts – Multimedia
- Recipient of Canada’s ‘Remarkable Citizen Award’
ADVERTISING
- Cannes Lion
- Marketing Awards, Canada
- Emerging Media Award, USA
- Summit International Awards
- Cresta International Creative Awards, USA
- Hermes International Creative Awards, USA
- Marcom Creative Awards, USA
- Dubai Lynx Awards
- Mina Cristal
- London International Awards
- International Advertising Awards, Egypt
- Kuwait Ad Awards, Kuwait
- Silver Owl, awarded by JWT India
EDUCATION
B.F.A. Applied Arts: 1982 – 1987
Sir. J. J. School Of Arts, Mumbai University, India