subject: Contemporary Indian Art Comes To Life At Delhis Devi Art Foundation [print this page] If Delhi has its very own version of Greenwich Village, it is definitely located in the bustling suburb of Gurgaon. A booming city thats growing in size and scope with each passing day, Gurgaons financial success and commercial prowess have also made it an unassuming locale for Indias evolving contemporary art scene. Therefore it is no surprise that the countrys first non-commercial, non-profit contemporary art space and premier contemporary art museum, the Devi Art Foundation, finds its home in this charming town.
Spread out over an expanse of 7500 square feet this futuristic museum and art centre first opened its doors to the public in 2008. Known as an institution established for the benefit and the use of contemporary artists in India and the subcontinent, the foundation provides a much needed space free from any financial and commercial constraints.
Visitors can expect to see varied exhibitions by budding local artists and other cutting edge creative spirits when touring the Devi Art Foundation. Having garnered the respect and interest of the countrys vibrant contemporary art community, past exhibitions held at the foundation include Lekha and Anupam Poddar Collection, the Dream Museum Project held in collaboration with the Asia Art Archive and the work of L.N.Tallur and Bangladeshi artist Mahbabur Rahman.
The One Year Drawing Project was another international initiative facilitated by the art centre which was an artistic exchange that highlighted Sri Lankan artists such as Jagath Weerasinghe, Muhammed Cader and Chandraguptha Thenuwara. Held in late 2009, the exhibition comprised of 208 drawings completed by the collective of painters in response to one anothers work.
As an art educational institution the Devi Art Foundation also regularly hosts lectures and discussions on issues relating to the contemporary arts. Complete with an outreach programme the institute also offers powerful presentations by art critics, renowned academics and artists while guided tours conducted by student curators or the foundation team are also available during choice exhibitions. Encouraging a dialogue between art lovers and the artistic community, the foundation is also a venue for guests to mingle with insiders of the art world and engage in spirited conversations with curators, critics and of course artists who showcase their work at the foundation. Exhibitions typically occupy the galley for at least four months. The Devi Art Foundation bookstall is also worth a visit as guests can purchase maps highlighting the citys premier art locales.
Only one name springs to mind when it comes to Gurgaon hotels with a touch of class, and thats of course the elegant The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (NCR). Offering guests every conceivable amenity under the sun including a spa, mall and business centre this is one luxury hotel Gurgaon city proudly claims as one of its premier accommodation providers.
