Arts and Theater

Are Museums on the verge of making a grand comeback?

Do you remember the time when we used to visit museums for our school trips? We learnt so many interesting facts and information about our history, art and culture. Somehow over the past few decades, people have stopped visiting museums and they seem to have turned obsolete. Technology has replaced such types of learning as we can now research and learn everything using our mobile phones or laptops.

With the Van Gogh 360 show taking over the country, a new trend is emerging. It’s turning back time and bringing the crowds back to the steps of the museum. This 18th May, we can finally celebrate Museum Day as it should be, with the general people appreciating these gorgeous places with their infinite wisdom and glory. This museum day has come at the right time, the cusp of the point where they are gaining back popularity.

Van Gogh 360 has been a global hit, it can be seen everywhere over social media. It is a multimedia mesmerizing artistic event which displays the astounding creations of the artist. It is an experience filled with colours and allows you to walk inside Van Gogh’s most iconic creations. It is a celebration of Van Gogh’s work and his flawless art; the event showcases more than 300 of his incredibly outstanding pieces. Now, who can miss such a spectacular event?

People have rushed to watch the show and experience art like never before, these shows have been or are being organized in multiple cities in India like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, etc. Van Gogh is helping museums become more than just walls of information and art, it is helping people experience the art. Justifiably people are going crazy over it. The beautiful work of Van Gogh even makes the show a popular spot to go for a date with your lover as it is bringing art out of the canvas and into the hearts of the people. The Van Gogh 360 exhibition made its first stop in India in Mumbai on January 20, where it is a hit. Now, the exhibition has arrived in Delhi and will conclude on April 30. After Delhi, it will soon be organized in Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad. If you also are intrigued, then check out this incredible show before all the tickets sell out.

Are you wondering which other museums you should check out, around the country? Mehak Walia lists out some of the most popular museums that you must visit. Many of them offer educational programs like lectures, tours, and other special events to engage visitors and encourage learning. You can get a holistic learning experience at these museums and learn new things with each step. Let’s dive right into the list: –

National Museum, New Delhi

This prestigious museum is one of the largest museums in India. It preserves and showcases the cultural heritage of India. Among other artefacts, this museum houses one of the world’s best comprehensive collections of Indus Valley Civilization artefacts.

National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

The museum is dedicated to contemporary and modern art. It has a collection of over 14,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs by not only Indian artists but also some international artists. The museum’s collection includes the works of some of the most famous artists including Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, and F. N. Souza.

National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi

This crafts museum is focused on showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India’s traditional crafts and textiles. Amidst the varied collection of the museum, some of its most famous items include Rajasthani textiles, Kutch embroidery, Madhubani paintings, and Banarasi silk saris.

Indian Museum, Kolkata

This museum was established in 1814 and it is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. The museum displays an extensive collection of fossils of dinosaur skeletons, also the remains of prehistoric animals and others. Its collection also includes ancient sculptures, coins and metalware, paintings, and manuscripts.

National Science Centre, New Delhi

This museum is one of the largest science museums in India. It has over 400 interactive exhibits and hands-on displays which cover a wide range of scientific and technological topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and more. Its most popular interactive exhibits include displays on human anatomy and physiology, displays on renewable energy sources, and interactive simulations of various scientific phenomena.

The Government Museum, Chennai

This museum was established in 1851 and is among one of the oldest museums in India. It is housed in a beautiful building which was designed in Indo-Saracenic architectural style. This museum has a vast collection of artefacts and artworks that span a wide range of subjects, including archaeology, geology, numismatics, botany, and zoology. Some of its most notable items include ancient sculptures, bronze icons, coins, and natural history specimens.

India In Fashion Exhibition at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Mumbai

This awesome new cultural centre has been in the news for the fabulous gala evening that they had for their opening but that isn’t the only special thing about NMACC. Its art exhibition called ‘India in Fashion’ explores the layered impact that traditional Indian dress, textiles and craft have had on the international fashion sensibility since the 18th century. It also has some fan-favourite outfits to surprise and dazzle you which is what makes it a must-visit event.

May 1, 2023

Reviving the art of storytelling: Chitrakathi

The once popular Chitrakathi, storytelling through paintings, is brought back to life by the Gangawane family in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg. Ketki Gadre interviews the last family practicing this art form to delve into their motivations and the supporters who have aided them on this journey. After a long day of trekking the Western Ghats around Bhogwe Beach in Sindhudurg, my luxury resort, Coco Shambhala, suggested an unusual activity – an art class. They agreed to it and invited Chetan Gangavane, a third-generation Chitrakathi artist working to revive this art form. Chitrakathi Art While setting up the art activity, Mr Chetan briefs me about the 11 art forms his community (Thakar) has been involved with for generations. His family currently practices three art forms unique to Maharashtra: String puppetry, Chitrakathi, and Shadow puppetry. “Chitrakathi involves storytelling through art on a 12×15” or 12×18” canvas, which can take 1-3 days to complete, depending on the painting’s intricacy. Traditionally, these paintings depicted scenes from mythological epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, accompanied by live singers playing instruments. Therefore, Chitrakathi artists needed not only painting skills but also the ability to sing and play instruments,” explains Mr. Chetan. The Thakar community, an Adivasi tribe living in the forests, gained recognition for their art from the erstwhile warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He brought them out of forests and closer to towns and provided them opportunities to perform art shows during festivals. In return, the community assisted the king by spreading messages of social enlightenment through their art. The artists earned their livelihood for many years through food or monetary donations. However, over time, attitudes shifted, and people stopped donating food and began treating them with disrespect. The Gangavane family is the last Thakar community to practice this centuries-old art form. The rest gave up with

Arts and Theater

Nurturing Artistic Talent: Sunaina Misra’s Vision for Artiste Culture

In the vibrant world of contemporary art, one name stands out for its unique approach to nurturing and managing artistic talent: Goa-based Sunaina Misra. As the founder of Artiste Culture, Sunaina has revolutionized how artists are managed, helping them navigate the complexities of the art industry. Her agency works directly with artists worldwide, assisting them in making connections and developing the skills needed to elevate their creative careers. Surabhi Goel had the pleasure of sitting down with Sunaina to discuss her background, the origin of Artiste Culture, and her vision for the future. I always grew up in an environment where my mother encouraged me to explore art in various forms, painting or visiting galleries. She wanted me to find my passion, so she enrolled me in different classes, from basketball to art. By age 15, I started working with an artist in Lucknow, helping him in his studio. There, I discovered my knack for organizing and managing artistic tasks, such as typing resumes and basic computer tasks. This experience sparked my interest in art management. Later, I pursued my Master’s in Art and Design Management in Newcastle, which solidified my understanding of the field. After various roles, including working for an art start-up and a museum, COVID-19 hit, leading me to start Artiste Culture. A blend of necessity and passion drove me to create a platform to support artists during uncertain times. The inspiration came from identifying gaps within the industry. Artists often struggled with managing their careers while focusing on their art. I wanted to create a space where artists could focus on creating while we took care of everything else—finding exhibitions, writing citations, and managing logistics. My vision was to build a multicultural and diverse environment that supports artists from all over the world. Over time, Artiste

Arts and Theater

5 Prolific Women Contemporary Indian Artists to Watch for in 2024

In 2023, women artists from India achieved new heights and were lauded worldwide. With Amrita Sher-Gil’s work ‘The Story Teller’ becoming the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold, Google honouring Zarina Hashmi for her life’s work, and Nalini Malani winning the 2023 Kyoto Prize, Indian women artists in both modern and contemporary art are gaining momentum. This year, contemporary Indian women artists continued to wield their creativity as a powerful force, shaping the art scene and contributing to the evolution of societal narratives. With 2024 upon us, the recognition and interest Indian women artists receive will only continue to rise. Sneha Gautam, Senior Vice President at AstaGuru Auction House, lists some eminent women artists whom art enthusiasts and collectors should watch for in this year. Nalini Malani: Among the trailblazers in the contemporary art scene who are making an impact on a global scale is painter and multimedia artist Nalini Malani, recognised for her innovative use of technology and distinctive visual language. Born in Karachi in 1946, she studied at Sir J.J. School of Arts and became one of India’s video art pioneers. Malani’s work often explores themes of feminism, war, and the human condition, challenging viewers to engage with complex issues in new and thought-provoking ways. Her dedication to seeing the artist as an activist and her exploration of womanhood through various media has indelibly impacted India’s contemporary art. Bharti Kher: Influential contemporary Indian artist Bharti Kher was born in London to Indian immigrant parents in 1969. She captivates with her avant-garde creations that transcend traditional boundaries and is best known for works constructed with many bindis. Renowned for her thought-provoking sculptures and installations, Kher often explores themes of identity, mythology, and the female form. With a unique artistic vocabulary, she challenges conventional notions, using unconventional materials to craft

Arts and Theater

Art on Your Fingertips

Rooftop is a community-driven art experiences marketplace App that makes traditional Indian art forms accessible to the world. This App is a one-stop destination for all art needs, which is bridging the gap between Indian artisans and art lovers all over the world. This first-of-its-kind art technology company endeavours to curate art and recreational activities based on traditional art. Bindu Gopal Rao in conversation with the Founder of Rooftop, Kartik Gaggar. Rooftop was started to help the arts and artists. “Whilst travelling I came across so many different indigenous artists that were struggling to create value for their crafts. I was impressed with their skills and the passion with which they continued to love their heritage despite the challenges. When I started Rajasthan Studio, I wanted to bring art lovers closer to the artists and regenerate value for the arts. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, this provided me with an opportunity to revamp and pivot to a digital/online space with Rooftop. This enterprise was a brainchild of long hours of work, tears, and a zeal to make Indian traditional arts mainstream again,” explains Kartik Gaggar, CEO & Founder, of Rooftop. So how does it work? Rooftop works for art lovers and artists. It intends to connect the two and create revenue and value for different art forms scattered around the country. Rooftop onboards artists and experts based on their level of skills and love for their craft. The team record either workshops or courses with them to then market the same to different target audiences ranging from simple art lovers to hardcore artists. They also have subscription plans for people who are passionate about learning and upskilling. “Subscription is a great way to consume art and courses are great as it also gives you a personal connection with the