From sculptures
that invite touch to textiles that mesmerize, to photography that captures
fleeting moments to installations that immerse us in new worlds, visual art
embraces endless possibilities, cutting across conventional boundaries and
captivating the hearts and minds of art lovers worldwide.
On the occasion of the upcoming Maharaja’s
Treasure: Select works of art from the famed Air India collection–an exhibition
at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, join us in a thought-provoking
panel discussion where creative minds share their unique experiences and
perspectives on the multifaceted nature of artistic expression. Delve into the
fascinating language of art, as we explore the profound impact it has on our
lives, transcending the constraints of time and space.
Step into the enchanting realm where art
breaks the physical limitations of traditional mediums, embracing countless
forms and igniting human imagination.
Birth of the Air India Art Collection
Air India’s illustrious years of art
collecting were introduced around the year 1956 with the purchase of paintings
of a recent graduate, who later turned to be an esteemed artist B Prabha. The
journey began with prints on the menu cards, followed by paintings being hung
on different outposts across the world. Air India Art Collection is one of
India’s most important art collections with works of legends such as MF Husain
and VS Gaitonde. From 1956 to the mid-2000s, the company also acquired textiles,
sculptures, wooden carvings, glass paintings, and other objects.
The Story of the Maharaja
The Maharaja- meaning emperor, also known
as ‘the Rogue’ was first conceived in 1946 by Bobby Kooka, Air-India's
commercial director, and illustrated by artist Umesh Rao. The mascot with its
unique features of oversized mustache, striped turban, corpulent belly, and
aquiline nose became the face of the airline and charmed and befriended the
airline travelers. The Maharaja put on several avatars representing stories
from across the world and became an advertising sensation in the 20th century.
Over the years it gained several negative opinions, however, Air India and the
Maharaja were able to tide through these turbulences and further enrich their
legacy together to date.
Art Beyond Canvas
Visual arts have traditionally been
associated with paintings on canvas, but the realm of artistic expression has
expanded far beyond this traditional medium. Artists today are pushing
boundaries and exploring new avenues to create captivating and
thought-provoking artworks that transcend the limitations of a two-dimensional
canvas. From installations to sculptures, digital art displays to performance
art, and mixed media projects, the possibilities for artistic exploration seem limitless.
The expansion of visual arts beyond the canvas invites viewers to engage with
art in new and exciting ways, provoking emotions, stimulating thoughts, and
challenging perceptions. The future of visual arts holds endless possibilities,
as artists continue to push boundaries and redefine the limits of artistic
expression.
About the Exhibition - Maharaja’s Treasure
‘Maharaja’s Treasure: Select works of art
from the famed Air India’, is an
exhibition curated around the meticulously collected impressive art collection
which showcases and celebrates Indian art and culture across the globe. The
collection comprises paintings and sculptures by famous artists such as V. S.
Gaitonde, B Prabha, M. F. Husain, G. R. Santosh, K. H. Ara, Piloo Pochkhanawala,
and Raghav Kaneria along with traditional paintings like Phad and Pichawai and
exquisite jewelry, textiles and other decorative art. The exhibition will be a
stepping stone to upcoming events and exhibits that will promote the artistic
heritage of the country with the help of the remarkable Air India Collection.