New Member Highlights

Member Interview with Arjun Gupta

Arjun Gupta is a scientist with a love for art. He joined the Museum Council in September 2016, and we visited with him this summer to see how he enjoyed his first year as a member.

What brought you to Boston? What do you do for work? Any specific hobbies or interests?

I moved from Philadelphia to Boston in June 2015 for professional reasons—I am a scientist and work for Siemens Healthcare. My hobbies tend to reflect my analytical side: reading and keeping up with current events and politics, art and art history, wine and spirits tasting, planning travel, although lately, I have devoted a lot of time to getting to know the wonderful city I live in!

How long have you been involved with the Museum Council? Why did you join the Museum Council?

I have been involved with the Museum Council for a year. Once I heard that such a group existed—one with additional programming and events related to the MFA and art exhibitions—it took all of 2 seconds to decide to join!

Which aspects of the Museum Council surprised you?

The sense of community among the members was a little unexpected. Enjoying art had been a very individual hobby for me before joining, so I have enjoyed diversifying in that respect.

Which Museum Council events have you particularly enjoyed?

I greatly enjoyed the scavenger hunt. Sadly, my team did not win, but the integration of social media into the event certainly pushed me to get with the times! I plan to come back with a vengeance for the next one.

What is your favorite exhibition or artwork in the Museum's collection?

Although Gauguin's time in Polynesia can be considered controversial, my favorite piece is his painting Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897–98). I had originally seen it at a show in Philadelphia, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it housed at the MFA. As many do, I appreciate the narrative of this piece, as well as Gauguin's use of color.