India’s “silcon valley” is more than just IT, engineers, and computer programmers. The subcontinent’s 5th largest city is also home to emerging art scene, which includes the likes homegrown and returning artists pushing the boundaries of what we consider “desi”. Here’s a guide to Bangalore’s burgeoning art scene….
At the forefront is one of Bangalore’s most well known galleries, Gallery Sumukha. The gallery, which exhibits Indian contemporary art, shows emerging and established artists in a beautifully minimalist 5000 sq foot space. Look for upcoming exhibits featuring Lalitha Shankar, M.Shanthamani, and Vidya Kamat.
Another venue leading the pack is Gallery Ske, featuring upcoming exhibits by Susanta Mandal and Chinmoy Pramanick.
Support local artists and get yourself a copy of artist and graphic designer Avinash Veeraraghavan’s book I Love My India, a visual journey though India. Combining photography with digital art, Avinash blurs the lines between fantasy and reality while successfully avoiding the clichés of snake charmers and 4-armed gods.
After all the gallery hopping, you’re bound to be thirsty. Treat to yourself to a cocktail at Spinn. Designed by one of the hottest architects in town, Sandeep Khosla, Spinn still remains one of the most beautifully designed bars in Bangalore. With a 1940’s colonial house as a backdrop and an open air courtyard, Spinn combines retro and modern for a perfect Bangalore night.
Gallery Sumekha 24/10 BTS Depot Road, Wilson Garden, +91 80 2229 2230, www.sumekha.com
Gallery Ske, The Presidency 82, St. Marks Road. +91 80 4112 0873. www.galleryske.com
Spinn, 80, 3rd Cross, Residency Road. +91 80 2558 1555. www.spinnblr.com
