For Gauri Khindaria '94, being a "third-culture kid" wasn't just part of growing up—it became the foundation of a remarkable 25-year career in graphic design that spanned from MTV to Rockstar Games. Now, with just a backpack and small suitcase, she's embarked on a new creative adventure that's taking her from Istanbul to Tasmania, from Melbourne to the mountains of Ladakh.

"Being a third-culture kid allowed me to just simply be a global citizen," Gauri reflects. Her time at LAS helped shape this worldview, fostering an environment where she learned from people of many countries and developed her individual voice. "I credit LAS for my ability to work in harmony with people from all walks of life. I have learned that being non-judgmental, open, and humble goes a very long way in embracing diversity rather than fearing it."

This perspective served her well throughout her career, particularly during her 21-year tenure at Rockstar Games, where she led international marketing campaigns for blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption II. Her approach to creative work, which she calls "play," emphasizes research, collaboration, and continuous learning.

"I think people underestimate the time, effort, and thought required to design and create anything unique," she explains. "The process requires teamwork, problem solving, creativity, ideas, and play to create something meaningful and beautiful." Her philosophy centers on using "we" instead of "I," promoting shared goals and collective achievements over individual recognition.

Her creative foundations were laid at LAS, where despite not considering herself "the best art student," she found her comfort space in the studio. The International Baccalaureate program played a crucial role, with teachers like Mrs. Lunn encouraging her aspirations and Mr. Sharpe instilling the power of research and curiosity. "I was beginning to mesh my personality between being Indian, my love of popular music and taking in the experiential art that I got to see around me in Europe," she recalls.

This multicultural perspective led her to found the Himalayan Grove Collective in 2017, a project inspired by New York City's Barnstormers art movement. She brought Mexican street artist Senkoeone to her family's village in the Himalayas, engaging local children in painting their village center. "Painting the village bus shelter and a wall brought the community together with pride," she shares. "The smiles on the kids' faces, for me, were priceless."

For Gauri, art serves as a universal connector that transcends cultural boundaries. "People learn so much about society from observing ordinary things such as a piece of furniture, garments, textiles, typography, architecture, photography, music, dance and theater," she notes. "Art teaches that there are no right or wrong answers; rather beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I feel that it helps expand our horizons and break down harsh judgements."

After leaving Rockstar Games in early 2023, Gauri's current journey of global exploration represents a new chapter in her creative story. With her background in design, her experience bridging cultures, and her endless curiosity, she continues to demonstrate how creativity can connect people across continents and cultures.

"Being aware of your surroundings and continuously feeding your mind, emotions, and five senses helps keep the creative juices flowing," she reflects. It's a philosophy that has served her well from the art studios of LAS to the streets of New York, from the gaming world to the villages of the Himalayas, and now as she charts her next creative adventure.
 

 

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