Beauty, it is said, lies in the eyes of the beholder. This saying definitely holds true when it comes to art works. It is usually the perceived beauty of the piece that shapes the extent to which each work would be appreciated. We present here a list of art galleries, or storehouses if you like, where we guarantee every soul will find beauty in something or the other.
Dhoomimal Gallery
India’s oldest gallery of contemporary art, it was established in 1936 by a keen lover of art, Shri Ram Babu Jain. Right from the beginning this gallery has exhibited the works of some of India’s finest artists Sailoz Mukherjee and Jamini Roy. The golden period of this gallery was in the 1970s when it displayed regularly the works of artists like M.F. Hussain, F.N.Souza, and Krishen Khanna. It was during this time when the gallery acquired its fame. So much so that some of its exhibitions were even visited by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This gallery has one of the best private collections of artworks which includes, besides the stalwarts already named, artists like Anjolie Ela Menon, Bimal Das, H.A. Gade and J. Swaminathan. This gallery recently opened a new mega art complex which is spread over 50,000 sq. ft and houses a centre for international arts and a sculpture museum. Whether you are a seasoned appreciator of art or just beginning to discover your inclination towards creativity, this is one place you just cannot miss!
Where: G-42, Connaught Circus; and 8A, Connaught Place.
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk Station
Vadehra Art Gallery
Established in 1987, this private gallery has acquired immense fame over the years. Known for organising regular exhibitions of modern and contemporary Indian artists, you will find works of art giants like Hussain, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, and Ram Kumar. The works of a number of indigenous modern artists like A. Ramachandran, Ganesh Payne, Jogen Chowdhury, Paramjit Singh, Gulammohamed Sheikh, Mrinalini Mukherjee and Arpita Singh can also be found here. This gallery is particularly known for organising exhibitions in collaboration with both government and international art galleries. Do check out the book store of the gallery which offers a nice place to sit and read for both artists and art lovers.
Where: There are three branches: D 40 and D-53 in Defence Colony, and D-178, Okhla. The book store is located in D-42.
Delhi Art Gallery or the Dag Modern
Started in 1993, this gallery is known to have the largest private repository of twentieth century Indian modern art. Its historical range of collection from the early moderns to the moderns, this gallery offers a wonderful timeline of the Indian art movement. What is special about this gallery is that it has a very well researched set of artworks collected through extensive travelling throughout the country. Students of art history will find a visit to this gallery very fruitful!
Where: 11, Hauz Khas Village and DLF Empirio, Vasant Kunj.
ArtAlive Gallery
Run by a private trust the Art Alive Foundation, this gallery was established in 2001 by Sunaina Anand with the main purpose of promoting upcoming contemporary artists. One of the more active galleries, they organise up to five solo and group exhibitions in a year besides holding several workshops, lectures and discussions of Indian art. To foster research this gallery comes up with regular publications that cover a broad range of topics – from monographs on individual artists to portfolios of limited edition artworks. For those with a scholarly bent of mind with a keen inclination towards Indian art, this is the perfect place for you to start.
Where: S-221, Panchsheel Park
Nearest Metro: Hauz Khas Station
Nature Morte
This gallery has a very interesting history. Founded by Peter Nagy, an artist himself, the first branch of this gallery was established in New York’s East village in 1982 which was closed down in 1988. The next edition of this gallery was launched in Delhi in 1997. With the goal of promoting experimental forms of art, Nature Morte has come to champion different genres of installation over the years. Located in a multi level space, this was India’s first gallery to be included in international art fairs like The Armory Show in New York. They now have branches not only all over India but also in Berlin!
Where: A-1, Neeti Bagh Nearest Metro: AIIMS Station/Green Park Station
