In a unique first-of-its-kind venture, nine prestigious art galleries of Mumbai are coming together over the weekend to showcase a selection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, installations and videos by upcoming and senior artists.
Known as the “Mumbai Gallery Weekend”, the event is being hosted at the ‘Taj Land's End'.
The participating galleries are Chatterjee & Lal, Chemould Prescott Road, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Galley Maskara, The Guild, Lakeeren, Project 88, Sakshi Gallery and Volte. Speaking on behalf of the group, Usha Mirchandani of Gallery Mirchandani + Steinruecke elucidated “The idea generated organically after we discovered a thread of shared vision vis-à-vis quality art and what can be done to proliferate the same. We chose to host this show at Taj Land's End because they are a likeminded partner with whom we share synergies in terms of the audience and relevancy of reach. Plus, since art has always been concentrated in the South of Mumbai, we felt a change of venue to the North would open up newer vistas vis-à-vis venues and art-connoisseurs.”
One can't help but wonder how, in this era of undercutting and intense competition in the art-world, did nine galleries manage to synergise so successfully?
Usha responds, “That's because we are all professionals with respect for each other's ideas and professionalism. It's healthy team work. Plus, we share a common vision — not just limited to this event — but also in terms of certain policies, concepts and approaches related to the art world. Further, a collaboration of this type is also an art education of sorts for us; we get to see what the others are showing.”
Comprising works by artists like Aaditi Joshi, Anita Dube, Ratheesh T., Sunil Gawde and many more, Usha says that the success of this event might pave the way for more such collaborations in the future.
Bottomline: A thread of shared vision vis-à-vis quality art
Mumbai Gallery Weekend; March 31 from 1.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. and April 1 from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Garden View, Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai
