Rhea’s doctoral research focuses on the Clive Collection at Powis Castle (National Trust). The objects in the collection are not only entangled in the complex history between Britain and India, they also act as a valuable vehicle through which overlooked narratives of colonial violence and marginalised perspectives are addressed. By adopting a multi-disciplinary method, Rhea’s research confronts the contentious histories contained within the collection and responds to present day movements towards decolonisation and inclusivity within the museum.
Prior to becoming a PhD student at Cambridge University, Rhea acted in a curatorial capacity at an art museum and for the Asian LGBTQ+ network, ‘Queer’ Asia. She has also worked with heritage institutions to organise conferences and forums on overlooked South Asian collections. Rhea completed her Undergraduate degree in History and Masters programme in History of Art at University College London.