In conversation with Deep K Kailey
“…We work to foster genuine exchange and dialogue around art, spirituality and mental health through contemporary Sikh knowledge.”
- Deep K Kailey
Image: Deep K Kailey.
Deep K Kailey boasts a highly successful career in the fashion industry, having made significant contributions to renowned publications such as Dazed, Vogue, and Tatler. However, driven by a quest for deeper meaning in life, she embarked on a transformative spiritual journey. This path ultimately led her to establish one-of-a-kind arts organisation Without Shape Without Form (WSWF).
In her role as the Artistic Director of WSWF, Deep leads the volunteer led arts organisation that fosters genuine exchange and dialogue around art, spirituality and mental health.
Currently, WSWF is proudly presenting the Arts Council-supported exhibition, Unstruck Melody at the V&A Museum, running until 15 October 2023.
Could you share a bit about your background in the creative industries?
I started my career at Dazed magazine, assisting the brilliant Nicola Formichetti. I was a contributing fashion editor by the time I left, and would later work closely with designer Kim Jones on his namesake company. After that, I moved to Vogue India as part of the launch team, and then later became the fashion director of Tatler magazine.
But even before I started my career in fashion publishing, I always wanted to work with artists – and lo and behold, after many years of freelancing, I had the opportunity to co-found Without Shape Without Form (WSWF) and haven’t looked back since. I am now the artistic director, and over the past two years, have been working on our touring exhibition, Journey of the Mind, as well as the more recent V&A installation of Nirbhai (Nep) Singh Sidhu, a brilliant interdisciplinary artist.
For those who might not be familiar, how would you describe Without Shape Without Form?
WSWF is an arts organisation that champions arts as a catalyst for social change. Through exhibitions and a public engagement programme, we work to foster genuine exchange and dialogue around art, spirituality and mental health through contemporary Sikh knowledge. At the core of our work is a desire to take audiences on a transformative journey, creating moments of self-discovery and connection.
In your perspective, what does it take to be a leader in today's creative industry?
Vision, clarity and an element of selflessness. In short, I believe leadership begins by leaving your ego at the door.
Have there been any artists, writers, or creative thinkers who have greatly influenced your work?
Absolutely, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having the opportunity to learn from many creative thinkers, but the ones who have truly impacted me most wouldn’t describe themselves as such! They are silent warriors, who embody true wisdom, clarity and love.
Image: 'Unstruck Melody' by Nirbhai (Nep) Singh Sidhu and Without Shape Without Form. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
You've curated Unstruck Melody at the V&A. Can you give us some insight into how the exhibition came to life?
It transpired from two and a half years of conversations with the V&A. I have known Nep and his work for many years, and was fortunate enough to see it in many different places, for example in Toronto, in Glasgow and most recently in Detroit. After I shared a video of his exhibition ‘Paradox of Harmonics’ with Meneesha Kellay, a senior curator at the V&A, we were both excited about what we could do. I presented a proposal and an alternative way of approaching art and community which evolved into Unstruck Melody.
What kind of experience are you hoping visitors will have at the exhibition?
In a nutshell, I wanted people to feel a connection to themselves, to their inner self, through this experience. All our work is rooted, at its heart, in the intention of truth. So we wanted to make sure there were moments where people could have a moment of self discovery. This is why terms like ‘special, calmness, connection, reminder and love’ have been used.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of your work?
I really do believe that where there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity for growth. For me, this often means tackling preconceived ideas about ‘contemporary Sikh knowledge.’ There is a lot of work in curating encounters that break down barriers, so for example we make sure that our vocabulary, our grammar and our intention allows the work to happen on multiple levels, and to go beyond an individual's expectations of what the experience might be.
Image: 'Unstruck Melody' by Nirbhai (Nep) Singh Sidhu and Without Shape Without Form. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Can you recall any standout or particularly meaningful moments in your career so far?
To be completely honest, I don’t think there is one singular moment. Looking back now, what I am most conscious about is the journey, which was far from a straight line. I don’t think life is ever a straight line – and neither should it be.
But one big turning point certainly came from an opportunity in July 2019. I took a sabbatical to fully focus on a one-year Simran program (Simran is a focus practice for the mind). And then when Covid hit in March 2020, I put my attention into a food donation programme with WSWF. We worked really hard to help thousands of people access food at a precarious time. I learned a lot from doing seva (selfless service). Both of those experiences really informed the journey I am on right now.
Is there a piece of advice you've received that has resonated with you the most?
To always be open minded. But it’s not easy: to be open minded takes practice and takes the ability to be able to control your mind, to be able to see beyond anything that you could’ve imagined and to use your own egoless knowledge
Are there three emerging artists or creatives you'd recommend our readers keep an eye on?
It’s so difficult to pick just three! But people should really check out Jasmir Creed, Jasleen Kaur and Nirbhai (Nep) Singh Sidhu for a start.
What advice would you offer to a young person aspiring to work in the creative industry?
Patience, discipline and open mindedness – these three principles will get you far. Put in all the effort you can, but just know the result is not in your control.
Are there any exciting upcoming projects on the horizon that you'd like to share?
Our touring exhibition Journey of the Mind will be in London, Cromwell Place in February 2024. It’s an exhibition of self discovery and is accompanied by an incredibly impactful public programme of events.
What do you love about London?
The creativity, energy, history, the struggle and, most of all, the people. It really is one of my most favourite cities in the world.
Who is Deep K Kailey outside the 'office'?
It’s hard to say! I’ve thrown myself wholeheartedly into the work at WSWF, and believe in it totally, so it’s hard to separate myself from my work. But I’m also not trying to separate these two sides of myself, I’m lucky enough to be in love with what I do!
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