Amin Jaffer is a distinguished art historian and curator renowned for his expertise in Indian art, jewelry, and the cultural intersections between the East and the West. Born in Kigali, Rwanda, Jaffer’s heritage is Indian, but his upbringing was truly global. He spent his formative years in various countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, Belgium, England, Canada, and the United States. His exposure to diverse cultures during his youth laid a strong foundation for his later work in art and cultural history.
A significant portion of Jaffer’s academic and professional journey centers around art history. He attended Lower Canada College in Montreal and later pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Toronto. His growing passion for art and history led him to London, where he completed his doctoral studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. His doctoral work focused on the cultural exchange between Europe and India, a theme he explored through furniture studies, analyzing how European influence reshaped Indian customs, such as the transition from floor-seating to elevated chairs.
Jaffer began his illustrious career at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, where he served as a curator for 13 years. During this time, he curated significant exhibitions and produced influential publications that reshaped perspectives on Indian art and furniture. His work at the V&A included deep dives into the collections and studies that highlighted the fusion of Indian and European design elements.
In 2007, Jaffer transitioned to the private sector, joining the prestigious auction house Christie’s as International Director of Asian Art. At Christie’s, he played a pivotal role in developing the market for Indian art, notably leading the company’s first-ever auction in Mumbai, which achieved record-breaking sales. His tenure at Christie’s was marked by his emphasis on modern Indian art and his efforts to elevate Indian artists and artifacts on the global stage.
Jaffer is currently Director of The Al Thani Collection, a world-class compilation of art and artifacts owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani of Qatar. The collection spans several millennia and features masterpieces from diverse cultures, emphasizing Jaffer’s interest in global art history. One of his curatorial highlights includes the acclaimed exhibition “Beyond Extravagance: A Royal Collection of Gems and Jewels,” which showcased exquisite Indian jewelry across various historical periods.
Beyond curatorial work, Jaffer frequently contributes to leading art and culture publications and maintains a significant following on social media, where he shares his insights and highlights from his curatorial projects. His dedication to the arts and ability to bring attention to underappreciated areas of cultural history have solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Amin Jaffer’s career continues to influence the art world, combining scholarly rigor with a passion for expanding the appreciation of Indian and global art traditions. His contributions are celebrated in numerous prestigious exhibitions and publications, making him a key figure in art history today. Amin Jaffer is also part of the distinguished curatorial team for the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which will be held at the Western Hajj Terminal from January to May 2025.
In this episode of the Pearl Lam Podcast, Pearl Lam and Amin Jaffer discuss the connections of Eastern and Western art traditions and talk about how cross-cultural dialogue continues to shape contemporary art practices.
Follow Amin Jaffer on LinkedIn here.
