Art in Life at the CIMA Gallery, has, once again, with its varied display of India’s rich cultural storehouse, gained Kolkata’s attention. On till October 9, the exhibition is the perfect pre-Puja shopping opportunity for those who enjoy carrying, wearing or owning a piece of India.
The exhibition was already busy on its first few days, as some of the most familiar faces of Tollywood and of Kolkata came to check out the exhibits this year. Actor and fashion designer, Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, was already excited to share his thoughts on the Rajasthani temple jewellery pieces from Mireya Jewels that were on display for the first three days of the exhibition.
“CIMA Art in Life brings together a plethora of art forms from all across the country,” said Chatterjee to My Kolkata. “This exhibition is a signature of harmony in many ways. When times are difficult, harmony is always in tumult. Art in Life brings together a lot of art and artistry to bridge the gaps among us.”
Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee donned a statement neck piece by Mireya Jewels at the opening of the exhibition
For Chatterjee, Art in Life is a cultural celebration. Dressed in a plain black kurta and churidar, the actor showed off a maximalist neck piece by Mireya Jewels, with beadwork and a lion insignia on each end. Helming Mireya Jewels was Vinesh Kumar Maheshwari, whose temple jewellery exhibits, designed by veteran jeweller Kundan Lal Verma, graced the exhibition. As Chatterjee put it, “I look forward to being a part of Art in Life. I’m here both as an artist and as a customer. It’s a nice feeling wearing a creation of the artist here.”
Chatterjee also added on his role as a customer: “I’ve already looked at some little closets to take home today. I always look for jewellery boxes and those closets would be perfect. I’ve already booked mine!”
Chatterjee was also enamoured by the stoles on display. Made from various South Indian silks, these scarves and stoles come in different styles, made for both everyday use and festive outfits.
Jewel-encrusted pieces designed by Kundan Lal Verma for Mireya Jewels, including a jewellery box (left)
Finally, Chatterjee expressed how he wants to invite viewers to check out the stall set up by Mrittika Earthy Talks, an environmental conservation group spearheaded by Somini Sen Dua. The stall has on display upcycled materials that help conserve the environment.
Rakhi Sarkar, director of CIMA, focused on the multidimensional nature of the art that finds space in the exhibition. “Preserving the traditional art forms is necessary, and CIMA fosters a union of this tradition with the modern,” she said. Minnie Juneja, president of the Ladies Study Group, expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards Sarkar and the initiative of CIMA. “Art in Life is the most anticipated lifestyle event of Kolkata,” she said, “offering Ladies Study Group members an enriching experience of art, culture, textiles, and handicrafts from across India.”
Juneja was especially enamoured by the divine Nakshi designs of Indian deities that are on display at the exhibition, designed by Kundan Lal Verma. She especially appreciated the blending of digital media with art to make it more accessible.
Rakhi Sarkar, director of CIMA, talks about the intent behind Art in Life
Pratiti Basu Sarkar, chief administrator of CIMA, donned a gamcha-cotton dress for the preview of the exhibition. “Going back to such eco-friendly materials like gamcha is vital to remember how diverse Indian textile and art are,” she said. “It is by working with Art in Life that I have learned about India, its art and culture. In fact, it was by meeting the artists that I learned not only about India’s history, but also its geography: how people eat, speak, think — both their language and way of life. It has literally been a journey of discovery.”
Minnie Juneja, president of the Ladies Study Group and Pratiti Basu Sarkar, chief administrator of CIMA, at the opening of Art in Life
Pondering upon the exhibits, Basu Sarkar had a hard time choosing a favourite. But for her the traditional artworks stood out. She especially liked a traditional painting poised at the entrance of the exhibition. She also wanted to pick a textile, but instead of a sari, she chose a quilt. “These are embroidered by men, part of a community of snake charmers known as the Saami. These quilts are popular in arid regions. The patterns are similar to snake skin, and largely abstract.”
A tribal mask from North Bengal
“When we encountered them on our travels, they took us into their homes and laid out the quilts,” Basu Sarkar recounted, “and told us that these textiles are what they use to sit on while performing, and also to cover themselves while travelling at night.”
Roma Bhagat at the opening of Art in Life
Art in Life is also currently displaying art forms from all across India, with a special focus on Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Bengal. Roma Bhagat, one of the founders of the Ladies Study Group, had a gala time asking the attendees about what they’d like to pick from the exhibition. Herself a fan of statement jewellery, Bhagat picked an eye-catching neck piece with rubies and a signature stone in the centre, along with a pair of sapphire earrings. “The intricacy of the work is astounding, and the karigar’s patience in setting each minute stone or thread in place is admirable,” she said. “I commend CIMA’s contribution towards highlighting India’s artists.”
A ruby necklace by Mireya Jewels with a statement stone in the centre
Bhagat also spoke to Nishant Upadhyay, the brain behind the layout of the exhibition, about his thoughts. Upadhyay, who is an interior designer by profession, spoke about the focus on eco-friendly materials as part of the exhibition. He especially focused on the jewellery exhibits which sat on stands lined by hay. He also described how he manually crafted the mannequin bust heads for the jewellery display. When asked by Bhagat about his pick from the accessories on display, Upadhyay chose a subtle sapphire wrist band for his mother.
CIMA Art in Life is on till October 9, from 11 am to 8 pm daily at CIMA Gallery.
