Affordable art for Mumbaikars at Worli

Artwork by Bhawandla Narahari

A month after its launch, Art Hub, the new art space based out of Atria Mall is ready with its first major event. Titled Appreciable Art Fair, the four-day fair will see more than 100 artists and galleries showcasing their works in stalls spread over the entire second floor of the Atria Mall.

Artwork by Bhawandla Narahari

"Finding a space to display work is one of the main problems faced by young artists in Mumbai. Public places come with very long waiting periods, and the private galleries are not keen to promote young, non-saleable artists. We expect the fair to fill this gap," says Ravindra Mardia, founder of The Art Hub and curator of the Appreciable Art Fair.

Painting by Prasenjeet Nath. Pics courtesy/ Art Hub

Organised in association with its parent NGO, ICAC, the fair, Mardia says, will be held every three months, and serve as a platform for young and amateur artists to showcase their works, as well as learn and interact with other artists. "We are giving 60% of the stalls to young and talented artists for free. Even the cost of renting stalls is very low, at R5,000 per square metre," he reveals.

An untitled work by artist Vipul Shende

Interestingly, the art fair has also kept a ceiling of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 lakh for all the art works that are on sale. "We don't want senior artists to sell their works at this fair. Instead, we want the younger artists to develop a market for their works. Besides, artists who sell above Rs 2-3 lakhs don't need to be promoted," says Mardia. The golden rule also applies to young artists whose art may fetch more than a lakh, he informs.

Oil on canvas by Devji Shrimali

But isn't this price range a too low to attract serious buyers, we ask. "On the contrary, it's much easier to sell a painting below Rs 2 lakhs. Only art collectors buy paintings above R2 lakhs, but they are highly saturated. We are targeting young home owners who can easily spend Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh to decorate their homes," suggests Mardia.

Ravindra Mardia, founder of Art Hub at the opening of the gallery last month. Pic/Sameer Markande

And, to attract more such buyers to the venue, the organisers have invited several senior artists like Achyut Palav, Shirish Mithbavkar, Pravin Suthar, Ulhas Raikar and others to conduct special master classes. "We are as much about art awareness and knowledge as about offering a platform to sell and buy work," he says.

Everyday, the festival will have a senior artist conducting a workshop on topics related to his field of expertise. So, visitors can catch them working live as well as learn a few tips and tricks. "We want artists to see what other artists are doing. Besides, buyer should know how a painting is created," he concludes.

On Till June 19, 11 am to 7 pm
At The Art Hub, Atria Mall, opposite Poonam Chambers, Dr AB Road, Worli.
Call: 66851179