Mumbai’s annual art-filled weekend this month is all geared up to put the spotlight on a wave of budding collectors and artists who are the focus of this show
Representation pic
Over the past couple of years, there has been a clear growth in the number of art collectors aged between 30 and 45 years,” says Farah Siddiqui, co-director of the Young Collectors’ Weekend. Built to create a single space for anyone interested in the arts—be it a seasoned collector or simply the curious—the approachable platform engages enthusiasts through an evolving discourse with contemporary artists and the world around them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Showcasing for the first time at the Mumbai Gallery Weekend, the unifying theme is the word ‘flux’. “The art world is constantly evolving and changing,” muses Siddiqui. “In response to this, each artist’s work showcases their interpretation of what they see happening around them.”
Artists and photographers selected for the show—Tara Anand, Hashim Badani, Shailesh BR, Tito Stanley SJ, Digbijayee Khatua and Akshita Gandhi, among others—display a determined consciousness in their practice to express themselves. “There’s also a common humanistic theme, which society can collectively relate to,” says Siddiqui, adding, “These artists have gone beyond aesthetics to create work that represents their own unique vocabulary, which resonates deeply with and inspires a diverse audience.”
Of heirlooms and iconic furniture
Unique pieces of period furniture, silver, glassware, ceramics, rugs, lights, jewellery and objets d’art make it to Pundole’s Decorative Arts Sale. The collection of mid-century modern furniture includes two pairs of American woodworker and architect George Nakashima’s iconic grass seated chairs, which were manufactured in the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad in the 1960s, and a Hans Olsen (Danish furniture designer) modular bench from the 1970s. Also included in the sale is a small jewellery ensemble from the collection of the late Dr Jamshed Jehangir Bhabha, which includes pieces by Cartier and Asprey bearing original hand-written notes by members of his family celebrating special occasions.
WHAT: The Decorative Arts Sale
WHERE: 8 JN Heredia Marg, Hamilton House, Ballard Estate
WHEN: January 12 to 17, 11 AM to 6 PM
CALL: 61146405
Light on movement
Performed in pitch darkness with some torches among select members of the audience, this conceptual dance by performance artiste, filmmaker, somatic practitioner and educator Gia Singh Arora viscerally plays with the elusive nature of comfort and belonging, echoing the familiarity of home. Reflecting on the human body in darkness, the interpretive dance questions what we truly see and infer in the dark—does one also feel movement instead of simply seeing it? This is an immersive experience where the audience puts the spotlight on the performer’s body to bring it into the light.
WHAT: Bhooter Naach/The Ghost Dance by Gia Singh Arora
WHERE: Art and Charlie, 71 A Pali Hill, Bandra West
WHEN: January 12 to 15, 11 AM to 8 PM
CALL: 9913568686
Beginner’s guide to collecting art
>> Define motivation or goals: This will have a huge impact on the kind of collection you’ll end up building. A good approach is to buy what you love and brings you joy. You will have to live with the art you purchase, so it is better to invest in something that you enjoy looking at every day.
>> Soak in as much as you can: Visit galleries and art fairs, and research online to know more about the subject, medium, style or art that truly speaks to you.
>> Set a budget: Start small, and gradually increase your budget as you grow your collection, confidence, and understanding. You can even invest in prints or certain editions of works.
>> Research well before committing: Explore the market and speak to experts to gauge what you should invest in.
>> Do not chase trends: It is always better to have a collection that defines you and echoes your own taste and style.
WHAT: Young Collectors’ Weekend
WHERE: IFBE, 10-12 Calicut Road, Ballard Estate
WHEN: January 12 to 15, 11 AM to 8 PM
CALL: 9619024000