Bandra, being a land of culture and art, resonates tremendous talent and artistic work in its various elements. And this creative inclination of Bandra has been further enhanced as the Bombay Arts Society of India has taken birth in this land right near Reclamation.
Established in 1888, the Bombay Arts Society was founded with a view to encourage and expose various forms of Visual Arts and appreciate the work of phenomenal artists. All this while the society functioned at various places with the recent outlet at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. But now the most eminent art society of our nation has shifted just near Reclamation in our very own Bandra which serves as a intersection of both the suburb and town citizens.
Inaugrated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India on February 13, 2016, the Bombay Arts Society at Bandra has opened a new arena for various visual art forms and artists to display their work encourage innovative talent. For now, the 13000 sq.ft. structure has three galleries, a 90-seater auditorium, library with journals of the history of the society and Indian art and an Art Shoppe which customises t-shirts and mugs.
Paintings made out of different elements like oil, canvas, colour, pencil sketches, paints and paper craft of ancient India, modern India, historic events, places, personalities and paramount events fill the galleries with mesmerising artistic beauty. While, sculptures carved out of plaster of Paris, wood, stone, sand and clay add to the beauty and send a refreshing wave to your eye. After a good walk around the gallery, losing yourself in the phenomenal art work and minute detailing is just bound to happen as you are left with awe and your heart exclaiming- ‘Wow, what an Art…!’
Well, that’s not it, the library hosts a number of books to engross you in the pool of knowledge and information about India art with a gaze at International art too. As it is said that ‘Art can never be defined as it has no limits’ so the Bombay Arts Society at Bandra will extend its tentacles by conducting talks, lectures, film screenings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, museum display and artist recognition events to tell the world what Art is all about and engage them into this creative field. So, professional artists from Bandra or any part of the country can apply to the society with his/her art work and may get an opportunity to display their work to millions after a thorough review from the managing committee.
‘Art deserves due recognition and an expansive platform’ and the Bombay Arts Society provides both. It has been hosting the Annual Art Exhibition since over a century to display, appreciate and reward the work of contemporary artists all over India and abroad. Renowned artists like M.F. Hussain, M.R. Achrekar, Akbar Padamsee and Raja Ravi Varma have been recognised by this exhibition and associated with the society. And, the extravagant display of art forms, the 124th Art Exhibition based on Master of Indian Art will be held at Jehangir Art Gallery from February 23-29, 2016 from 11am-7pm.
The Bombay Arts Society, one of first art society established in India, has its roots deep into the evolution, transformation and growth of Indian art. Several awards, scholarships and opportunities are continuously provided by the society to encourage and enhance art in India. As the society is a non-profit society it urges people to extend their help and support in all forms with a principle view of helping the growth of art in India and abroad.
Bandra is privileged to embrace this culturally rich society and help encourage art forms in India as it serves as the central hub of the Bombay Arts Society henceforth. ‘India and Art’ can never be separated and the Bombay Arts Society is the cornerstone of this unison. A walk around the society at Bandra is truly an unforgettable experience and an enthralling refreshment for everyone!
Ronald Rodrigues
