Latest news with #AshokVarma
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
CCA gallery reopens in Lutyens' Delhi
Imaan Varma, grandson of the late Ashok Varma, revives CCA The Indian art world celebrates the return of a storied institution—CCA (Centre for Culture & Art)—revived by Imaan Varma, grandson of the late Shri Ashok Varma, founder of the original gallery. First established in the 1990s in Connaught Place, CCA was a pioneering force in India's modern art movement. It played host to iconic masters such as M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, Souza, J. Swaminathan, and Manjit Bawa, becoming a vibrant hub for progressive thought and creative expression for over three decades. Now, CCA reopens in Lutyens' Delhi, reimagined as an exclusive, by-invitation-only gallery and cultural centre. The new vision blends legacy with forward thinking by bringing art for collectors and also building a pathway for students, the 'future masters' of Indian art. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi 'I have been immersed in the world of art my entire life, first through my grandfather's gallery, then guided by my mother, a passionate art collector, and finally while studying art in Florence. We were among India's first and finest galleries, and I'm honoured to carry forward that legacy,' says Imaan Varma. CCA's revival show, titled Sacred Signs, opens with works by master tribal artists Jangarh Singh Shyam, Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, Baua Devi and Santosh Kumar Das—each handpicked by Imaan. 'Those who know, know,' he says of the selection. The exhibition marks the beginning of a series of bold, curator-led projects and events planned ahead. While we prepare for CCA's official revival, the gallery remains committed to nurturing young minds. CCA will always give special attention to students—helping them not only learn art but also understand the business and ecosystem that surrounds it. This exhibition is a unique collaboration with students of The Ardee School, who will gain hands-on experience in curating, presenting, and engaging with art. They will not only learn from masters but also witness firsthand how art lives beyond the canvas—through galleries, collectors, and conversations. CCA is immensely proud to announce the appointment of Ina Puri as its advisor. 'Her association with CCA dates back to its early years, and her deep understanding of the gallery's DNA makes her an invaluable part of our journey,' adds Imaan. 'The story that began in the early 90s fuelled by the determination of the entrepreneur Ashok Varma is now poised to begin a new chapter steered by his grandson Imaan, an ardent advocate of modern & contemporary Indian art. CCA moves into an expansive new space in Lutyens Delhi & is set to showcase artists from the expanding community of practitioners. I am delighted to be playing a role in their new plans as an advisor. CCA had contributed greatly to the art scene in the 90s. I am confident they will continue to make a difference in the present times'. – Ina Puri.
Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
A Legacy Reimagined: Cca Returns To Delhi's Art Scene Across Three Generations
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 16: In a city steeped in art and memory, few names echo as deeply as CCA - Centre for Culture & Art. Once a cornerstone of Delhi's artistic heartbeat in the 1990s, the legendary gallery has been lovingly revived by Imaan Varma, the third generation of a family that has quietly shaped the Indian art landscape for over three decades. Originally founded by Ashok Varma, CCA was more than a gallery, it was a movement. Nestled in Lutyens' Delhi, the gallery played host to artists like, M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, J. Swaminathan, and Manjit Bawa, among others. A space for radicals and romantics alike, CCA became synonymous with progressive thought and boundary-pushing creativity in Indian modern art. Now, in 2025, the gallery has found new life in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi, reimagined as an invitation-only gallery and cultural centre with a sharper focus on the future. While paying homage to its luminous past, the new CCA also seeks to nurture emerging voices, what the team refers to as India's future masters. "I have been immersed in the world of art my entire life," shares Imaan Varma, grandson of Ashok Varma and the force behind this revival. "We were among India's first and finest galleries. It's an honour to continue my family's legacy, not just by celebrating the past, but by investing in the next generation." The first exhibition under Imaan's curatorship, titled "Sacred Signs", opens this August with works by celebrated tribal artists including Jangarh Singh Shyam, Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, Baua Devi, and Santosh Kumar Das. The show reflects a quiet reverence for symbolism, memory, and mythology, a theme deeply resonant with CCA's ethos. But CCA is not just about exhibitions. In collaboration with students from The Ardee School, the gallery is pioneering a fresh educational format where young learners engage directly with curatorial practices, exhibition design, and the broader workings of the art ecosystem. The idea? To empower them not just as artists, but as thinkers, producers, and future custodians of Indian art. Adding gravitas to this vision is the appointment of noted writer, curator, and cultural critic Ina Puri as the gallery's official advisor. A longtime friend of the Varma family and one of the original voices from CCA's earlier days, her presence marks a poetic full circle. "The story that began in the early 90s, fuelled by the vision of Ashok Varma, is now entering a new chapter with Imaan," says Puri. "CCA had a formidable presence in the past. With this thoughtful reimagining, I believe it will be just as relevant in the present, and the future." As CCA prepares for its official public revival later this year, its current quiet programming is already sparking interest across Delhi's art and culture circuit. From private previews to educational engagements, CCA is gently reclaiming its space, not just as a gallery, but as a cultural ecosystem. In a world saturated by speed and spectacle, the return of CCA reminds us of something timeless: that true art, like legacy which isn't hurried. It's built, slowly and lovingly, across generations. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
