LOTA challenges monoculture and redefines art through the lens of tradition, personal stories, and contemporary voices
About LOTA
LOTA amplifies the voices of underrepresented artists to forge a more beautiful and inclusive world, rooted in tradition and modernity.
What began as a dream of connecting people with art and design that speaks to them has now grown into a thriving advisory, consultancy, and curatorial practice that champions diverse voices and emerging talent.
Anar Joshi, Founder
Anar founded LOTA after spending over a decade in startups, building everything from fan engagement apps for YouTubers to healthy fast food restaurants to digital banks in the developing countries. With a strong eye for curation and passion for storytelling, she started LOTA as a personal project to share stories of design that inspire her.
As LOTA evolved, Anar realized there was no platform representing the world that so many creators were building - one rooted in their heritage and fiercely modern, one deeply personal and inclusive, one beautiful and imperfect.
Today, LOTA serves as a reminder of how connected we all are through our unique experiences and our pursuit to find our own voices.
What does LOTA mean?
The Lota (“low-tah”) is a vessel found all over India used to collect water. Simple versions serve everyday purposes, while more elaborate ones reserved for special offerings or prayers.
The Lota also inspired the iconic mid-century designers, Ray and Charles Eames. Post-independence from British rule in India, the Eames were tasked with supporting the modernization of Indian design and arts. In their research, documented in The India Report, the Eames found the Lota to be the perfect symbol of good design - an object used daily and passed down through generations, enabling a culture to thrive.