The works of icons share space with that of blossoming talents at the Garden of Our Memories – I, an exhibit of vast artistic legacy showing at Chennai’s Lalit Kala Akademi.
Marking six decades of Sarala’s Art Centre, the exhibit brings almost 200 paintings and sculptures by artists who have woven their artistic paths into the gallery 60-year journey.
Founded in 1965 by Soli J Daruwala and Moti Daruwala Sarala’s Art Centre was one of the first private galleries in South India dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Relocating from Bombay to Madras, the venture grew from a framing business into a gallery, creating a space for artist representation led by integrity, refinement and pure passion.
“When there’s a purpose you’re able to identify in the art, the whole thing becomes so much more meaningful.” – Sowanderya Vadivel, visitor
From expansions and stability of the gallery, led by the second generation – Daruwala’s daughter Sarala and Bishwajit Banerjee – to the third generation of Anahita Daruwala Banerjee and Shavira Banerjee upholding a precious legacy with professional and contemporary approaches, the Sarala’s Art Centre remains a historic part of Chennai’s art landscape.
The exhibit which sees the works of legends like Akkitham Narayanan, MF Husain, C Douglas and Achutan Kudallur share space is most impressive for the appeal it holds for an art connoisseur as much as for an amateur art lover.
One visitor, corporate employee Sowanderya Vadivel, who keenly appreciates art even if not an artist herself is the perfect example of the exhibit draws people in with its layers of creativity and purpose.
She says, “When I look at their pieces it gives me different perspectives of life. All the pieces are beautiful but there’s something special at being able to interpret the layers of meanings behind it. When there’s a purpose you’re able to identify in the art, the whole thing becomes so much more meaningful.”
Sowanderya picks out artist Sovan Kumar‘s acrylics on canvas piece May First at Marina Beach as one of the works that left an impression. She says, “For instance, there’s one piece which I interpreted as quite political; depicting two lives in Chennai city. One of those who migrate here and their hardships and the other about governance and the higher fringes of society. ”
She further points out two of Indrapramit Roy‘s works hanging a few feet apart, expressing excitement at being able to identify that both were painted by the same person simply based on the art style.
If what Sowanderya sees at the exhibit comes from the lens of a pure-hearted art lover, artist RB Murari – visiting with his daughter – speaks of the exhibit, the gallery and its legacy with fond sense of nostalgia and reverence.
Carrying his own father RB Bhaskaran legacy forward, Murari considers Suri Daruwala a mentor par his father. He says, ” For me, Suri Daruwala is someone I truly look up to. When I was around 14-15 years old and beginning to dabble in art, he looked at some of my works and gave me about ₹500 and that was huge for me. His intention was not to buy my art for the skill levels but simply to encourage me.”
Having grown up witnessing the friendship between Daruwala and his father, Murari recalls spending time sitting by to listen their conversations, saying, “They would speak for hours together, the best of friends having extremely intense discussions about art.”
This connection Daruwala fostered with artists is something that stands out to Murari. He says, “I’ve been to shows hosted by Suri or go to shows held by young, budding artists from college. He would looks at the works and still give them ₹2000-3000 just to encourage them – he would always give artists something.”
Describing Daruwala and Sarala’s Art Centre as family to him, Murari reflects on how Suri’s deep passion was taken forward by Sarala and Bishwajit, expressing further pride in the professionalism and dedication shown by Anahita, adding, ” She’s got a great spirit and I think she’s going to pull this off for another 60-70 years.”
From the unbridled excitement of art lovers like Sowanderya to the expert eyes, layered lived experiences of artists like Murari, Garden of Our Memories – I is the perfect ode to Sarala’s Art Centre, celebrating one of Chennai’s oldest galleries, with the vast variety of work showcased tracing artistic evolution and friendships at every corner of the space at Lalit Kala.
Garden of Our Memories – I was inaugurated on March 8th and will be running till Saturday, March 14 at Lalit Kala Akademi in Greams Road. Entry is free.
(Images courtesy of Malvika Padin)
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