The new art stop

At Art & Soul on ECR artists will talk, paint, demonstrate, make things and sell their works. After tasting success in the fields of hospitality and fitness, entrepreneur and social diva Nina Reddy seeks chow for the soul. The new outlet, at her food campus on ECR serves artistic soul curry.

Nina Reddy

The restaurant complex encompassing Malgudi, Delhi Dhaba and China Terrace has just added another reason to stop by, though for a different kind of feast.

After tasting success in the fields of hospitality and fitness, entrepreneur and social diva Nina Reddy seeks chow for the soul. The new outlet, Art & Soul at her food campus on ECR serves artistic soul curry.

Travel triggered this passion, she says. Getting to know the local art scene is a must during her annual trips abroad. She takes in everything art, high-end galleries to street art festivals. “I'm never on a holiday,” she says. “I observe and learn.” Biz sense kicks in, and “I wonder if it’s possible to replicate a few things.” Art, she’s discovered, is affordable abroad. You can pick up wonderful pieces in flea markets. In street festivals you can get artists to talk about their craft. “That's the concept I wanted to bring to Chennai.”

The gallery is an extension of that “art habit”. “It’s about, what can I do for those who make the world better? I feel indebted to artists, they create joy. I want to give them a platform.” The platform now has some striking paintings, contemporary-chic furniture,

Namma Chennai line of caricatured mugs and multi-material works of art.

With the revival of interest in artworks and the means to own them, her glass-cased showroom should do well. But two things will never be missing, Nina promises. Emerging artists will regularly exhibit their works, and art will be affordable. Hers won’t be your gloomy art store of stacked canvasses. It will be a “carnival” where artists will talk, paint, demonstrate, make things and sell. “There will be fun events, music and art camps where people will paint. We’ll shortlist them and put the works up, for a month.”

She is happy with the attention the gallery is attracting. Those who drive in to dine, walk up to take a look. Young people pick up stuff that's western-Indian, traditional-new age, and inexpensive. It’s a fusion of art ideas.

She’s hopeful people will welcome the medley of art, music by young bands, a Sunday market — they’ll come for that holiday feel. Or for serious participation in an art appreciation workshop. Step in, talk to the resident artist, suggest changes in what you want to own. Create an art moment.