Latest news with #KNMA
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
New galleries power a shift in India's art scene
There's a quiet yet determined shift in the Indian art market landscape. Newer art galleries are whetting the appetite of collectors, both seasoned and novice, as interest continues to evolve. Many of these galleries showcase the personal collections of longtime art collectors. For some, the galleries represent a chance to give their artworks a home. For others, it's a way to tap into a growing fraternity that's interested in acquiring art. HOMES FOR ART COLLECTIONS In Ashish Thapar's art gallery, which opened earlier this year in the National Capital Region (close to KNMA's mammoth art space slated to open sometime next year), the idea was to give centrestage to lesser-known but significant modernists of India, and more obscure works from leading modernists. In Thapar's view, it's not enough to only talk about M.F. Husain's horses, F.N. Souza's nudes, or S.H. Raza's bindu series. 'We should talk about Husain's Blue period and Raza's White period when the artists were evolving in their own right," says the graphic designer, curator and art collector. Thapar Art Gallery's inaugural exhibition in February, Celebrating the Modernists of Indian Art, was a showcase some of the lesser-known works of the progressives along with other artists such as Sakti Burman, Ramkinkar Baij, Himmat Shah, G.R. Santosh, Bimal Das Gupta, Sadanand Bakre, Haku Shah, Abdul Aziz Raiba, B. Prabha, B. Vithal, Laxma Goud, Sankho Chaudhuri and Abdulrahim Appabhai Almelkar. While a majority of the paintings on display are owned by Thapar, many of them are on sale. He's already working on the estates of two lesser-known Indian modernists, besides gearing up for forthcoming shows in his gallery. In Mumbai's Fort area, Subcontinent is a new gallery space started in March by husband-wife duo Dhwani Gudka and Keshav Mahendru. 'Our vacations are all about visiting museums and looking at works of art," says Gudka, adding that the reason behind opening their own gallery space was to foster dialogue with South Asian art. The inaugural show last month, curated by Jesal Thacker, Ya Ghat Bheetar/Rediscovering Form, was a retrospective of Vadodara-based Haku Shah, who gave indigenous folk art a twist through his distinctive style of painting. Gudka and Mahendru are managing the artist's estate, which is why many of Shah's previously unseen works were displayed in the gallery. Self-confessed 'art nerds", Gudka and Mahendru talk about paintings over meals, on their way to work, during their free time. 'For us," he adds, 'art is all-consuming. We wake up looking at art, we go to bed looking at art, we spend the whole day engaging with it in one way or another… some of our closest friends are artists." A NEW APPROACH A majority of new art gallery owners say it's the growing number of collectors that's fuelling the interest for spaces. 'A young collector who is just starting out can be looking for something entirely different than a more seasoned one," says Monica Jain, founder-director of Art Centrix Space, which was established in 2012 to focus on 'vernacular voices of mid-career contemporary Indian artists". While the newer galleries have a variety of exhibitions on artists, some older art galleries like Jain's are moving into providing grants for artists to promote 'diverse painting methodologies in Indian art". Galleries are also going beyond just exhibitions. Art Centrix Space, for instance, recently held the screening of The Song for Eresha, an indie film by A.K. Srikanth set to release abroad later this year before releasing in India. Similarly, in Thapar's gallery, a music concert by bansuri player Kartikeya Vashist and Arman Dehlvi on tabla and vocals was held to coincide with the opening of the Haku Shah exhibition. Jain is correct in her assessment that there's room for everyone, not just as a collector but also as a gallerist. In Delhi's Defence Colony area, an art district of sorts is emerging with new galleries cropping up alongside some of the recognised ones such as Vadehra Art Gallery, Akar Prakar and Treasure Art Gallery, among others. Galleryske and Photoink, both with a presence in Delhi, collaborated to open earlier this year in Defence Colony. Five-year-old Method Art Gallery from Mumbai also expanded to Delhi earlier this year, enthused by the demand of collectors in the city. In Kolkata, Art Exposure, around since 2018, ventured into a bigger space last October. According to Somak Mitra, founder-director of Art Exposure: 'We wanted to build a world-class gallery to attract South Asian and international artists to put Kolkata on the global art map." The new space is a sprawling 7,000 sq. ft, two-floor building dedicated to contemporary and modern art. It is currently hosting the exhibition Indian Modern Art: Evolution of Narratives, featuring artists such Gaganendranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose and Jamini Roy. The exhibition is on till 15 June. Existing galleries such as Method, Galleryske and Photo Ink are in expansion mode. Rukshaan Art, promoted by Rukshaan Krishna, has been one of the foremost galleries to promote contemporary art since its opening in Vadodara in 2007. Krishna opened her new gallery space in Mumbai's Ballard Estate in March. The gallery has been at the forefront of The Baroda March, an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary art from Vadodara city, which has been going on for 18 years. Besides hosting this annual exhibition, showcasing Vadodara's vibrant art scene, Rukshaan Art continues to hold art camps, residencies and other artist-led events. Though not a traditional art gallery, on Museum Day (18 May), Jaipur's Sabha Niwas, originally Diwan-e-Aam or public audience hall in The City Palace, reopened after more than a year of restoration work. It will double up as a museum-gallery for rare artefacts, including 19th century elephant seats, canopies used for royal events, thrones, and portraits by the 18th century master painter Sahibram. 'It's a niche and saturated market, and you have to be very distinctive to offer something new," says Sanya Malik, curator and director, Black Cube Gallery, which opened in February in Hauz Khas, Delhi. Black Cube was a 'nomadic" gallery, without a space of its own. Its inaugural show in March in the new permanent space was Vocabulary of Vision, which brought together 25 Indian artists—nine modern masters and 16 contemporary voices—to explore the evolving visual language of Indian art. Most collectors at Black Cube Gallery are first-timers. It's a reason why Malik, unlike many other art galleries, has kept a wide-ranging price point, starting around ₹3 lakh. She advises collectors that they can always start looking at prints of master artists or start investing in some of the younger, contemporary artists, the latter being a very fascinating market. Malik is happy that her art has finally found its home. 'Personally, I have this itch to bring out a strong curatorial context to present my art to people. Having a personal space allows so much more freedom." Abhilasha Ojha is a Delhi-based writer. Also read: Father's Day 2025: Gifts for the dad who has everything
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
5 places in Delhi to visit and enjoy traditional artworks
India's national capital, New Delhi, offers a diverse palette of art experiences, from traditional folk heritage to contemporary street murals. The art venues offer a rich journey through India's artistic soul, blending the traditional with the contemporary across different neighbourhoods of Delhi. If you are an art enthusiast like us, here are five must-visit spots that will amp up your love for art - Arts by East Craft Design at Uttarakhand Bhawan brings out the beauty of the picturesque nature of Uttarakhand and enhances the traditions of the valley to life. Located in Uttarakhand Sadan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, the place is open for visitors to enjoy the large-scale murals made with the traditional Likhai wood-carving craft of Uttarakhand. It is characterised by intricate motifs of birds, animals, flowers, and mythological themes. The walls of Uttarakhand Bhawan are also decorated with a detailed resin and silica mural capturing the historic Jageshwar temple, reflecting architectural finesse and religious importance. Madhya Pradesh Bhawan in Delhi is more than just a building; it is a living museum, a cultural ambassador, and a tribute to the state's glorious heritage. The artworks within its walls offer an enchanting journey through time. Each floor within Madhya Pradesh Bhawan is adorned with paintings that depict the state's traditional folk art, such as Bhil and Gond. These vibrant artworks showcase the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous communities, their stories, and traditions brought to life through intricate patterns and bold colours. The entrances of the bhawan are adorned with a grand brass sculpture of the banyan tree, the state symbol of Madhya Pradesh. This sculpture is strategically placed in the lobby, stands tall and proud, its branches spreading out in a gesture of welcome. Lodhi Art District in Delhi is India's first open-air public art district and a living canvas that celebrates contemporary street art. Located between Khanna Market and Meherchand Market within the Lodhi Colony, the district has more than 65 large-scale murals painted by artists from across the globe, under the initiative of the St+art India Foundation. From simple Indian motifs to striking observations about social and environmental concerns the walls of these lanes speak compelling stories. All the murals of this lane turn ordinary buildings into living works of art that promote community engagement and cross-cultural exchange. When one walks around the neighborhood, he or she is treated to a trip of imagination, where art forms part of everyday life. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is an active and living cultural hub that features the finest of modern and contemporary Indian art. It is India's first privately funded large scale museum. KNMA features a captivating selection of works by master legends along with emerging artists, a reflection of the country's changing artistic path. Guests visiting the museum can glimpse through interactive galleries that contain abstract art, digital art, statues, and even more. KNMA also has regular exhibitions, workshops, and educational lectures to encourage the creative process and public participation. With its constantly evolving collection and provocative spaces, KNMA is a powerful mix of artistic heritage and modern innovation. Vernssage Art Gallery Delhi is a well-curated destination that connects India's heritage art forms with modern expressions. This two-storeyed gallery consists of two floors, providing a calm and immersive experience for art lovers. Established by art advisor Sunaina Magan, Vernssage strives to make art acquisition easy and bring Indian art to a wider audience. The gallery features a varied selection of pieces from artists like Sabia Khan, Shampa Sircar Das, and Bani Pershad. A variety of artworks can be viewed by visitors, from detailed folk paintings to contemporary mixed media art, that mirror India's rich cultural heritage. With its vision of bringing art within reach and making it exciting, Vernssage Art Gallery is a dynamic cultural center that asserts the changing face of Indian art.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
This ongoing exhibition in Delhi's Saket has an artistic take on environmental preservation
There are turtles on the wall of a passage connecting a hub of malls in Saket. These aren't real yet significant enough to capture the attention of passersby towards the rising concerns of environmental degradation. The concern comes into focus – particularly on World Environment Day (June 5) – as the ongoing exhibition titled Slow Is The New Urgent continues to feature works of 11 artists. Created using multilayered plastic wrappers, ply boards, nails, and staple pins, these vibrantly-hued turtle sculptures are part of Manveer Singh's artwork, Trail of Turtles. 'It is a homage to the Olive Ridley turtles, which play a crucial role in balancing the aquatic ecosystem. But, unfortunately, many of these are dying due to consumption of plastic, which gets mistaken for jellyfish. The damage we are causing to these sea creatures is reflective of the damage humans are causing to the environment in general. No matter how much we progress in other aspects, if we damage the environment, nothing else shall sustain in the long term,' says Singh. For a viewer, it's difficult to not notice beyond this and spot plastic and industrial chemical carriers also hanging on a wall. These have been painted by artist Mohd Intiyaz, as his work Dar-Badar that explores how the exploitation of natural resources by a few results in suffering for many while reminding one that environmental degradation isn't just ecological but also deeply social. 'Environmental awareness should lead to real change in the way we live, consume, and think about our relationship with Nature,' feels Tahsin Akhtar, who uses everyday objects to shed light on damage to environment through overconsumption, and says, 'I use projection mapping on everyday wood-carved mundane objects because these are part of our personal, daily routine. For example: cosmetic jars, toilet rolls, and mirrors. My work critiques the environmental damage caused by overconsumption. These everyday objects represent the throwaway culture built into capitalist systems. It's here that the resources are quickly taken, used, and thrown away, adding to the environmental harm caused by fast-paced consumer habits. It also points to the idea of digital footprints due to the unseen trail of energy use, server load, and data storage left behind by our online actions, which silently adds to environmental pollution.' Explaining how this show is both a poetic provocation as well as a proposition, curator Avik Debdas, says, 'The title reflects a deeper philosophy that challenges the velocity of consumption and the attention economy that fuels it. Located in a public skybridge between Delhi's prominent hub of malls, the exhibition uses its very location as a conceptual framework to draw a connection between the consumer market and environmental degradation." What: Slow Is The New Urgent Where: KNMA Art Passage, Saket On till: June 30 Timing: 11am to 8pm Nearest Metro Station: Malviya Nagar (Yellow Line)
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Go! go! caravaggio! see his sacred game
16th c. Italian master-dramebaaz Caravaggio's 1606 painting ' Magdalene in Ecstasy ' (MiE), stumbled upon in a private collection in 2014, was to be on display at Delhi's Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) till May 18. Now, it's staying till May 30. So, if you haven't already gone to see it, then 'Go, go, Caravaggio!' and see it. If MiE were a film, it would open in slo-mo, drenched in chiaroscuro, as the Bible's 'Other Mary' collapses into divine rapture. Cue Ennio Morricone's haunting score. Forget delicate Renaissance Madonnas - this is full-throttle Baroque drama mixed with Kill is caught mid-swoon, her head tilted back, her body slack, as if she's just been hit by the full force of divine revelation - or, the final episode of a Netflix revenge saga. The lighting is pure Scorsese. A single beam cuts through the darkness, illuminating the Big M in a way that screams 'final showdown'. And talk about ambiguity. Is this spiritual ecstasy? Or something more visceral - shall we say, ' European art house '? Caravaggio, ever the provocateur, blurs the line between sacred and sensual, making this the perfect poster child for our OTT, maximalist era with its perfunctory statutory warnings. MiE is the OG (visual) climax, proving that centuries before Anurag Kashyap et al, Caravaggio was already rolling the credits on Sacred Games.
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
The Summer of Content
As the hot summer breeze sets in the country and the scorching heat drives people indoors, it also presents new opportunities to explore art. Recent trends have shown how galleries, artist collectives, and cultural institutions turn the warmer months into a vibrant period of exhibitions, residencies, and art education. From flourishing metro cities to emerging art hubs, contemporary Indian art in summer reflects a unique coalescence of introspection and engagement. Earlier recognised as a routine break, summer has now completely transformed, with galleries and other institutions bringing in new shows and exhibitions exploring myriad themes with different mediums. Talks, panel discussions and conversations around art are also organised to build engagement. Most recently, KNMA brought Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio's iconic painting, Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, to Delhi along with lectures and symposiums.
