More Wall Space

For six years,Bhalla had operated from one space at Ansal Plaza,but now it was time to shift base. In 2008,the economic slowdown had taken down the big players even in India’s art market,with renowned galleries like Bodhi simultaneously shutting its branches in Delhi,Mumbai,New York and Berlin in 2009. While several in the art fraternity are still recovering from the losses,the country’s current financial stability is also becoming evident with many galleries branching into multiple spaces. “It makes sense for a huge gallery to have more than one branch,else most of the artwork will just be in storage,” says Sunaina Anand,director,Art Alive Gallery. She will open a 8,000 sq ft branch of her gallery in Gurgaon in April. This will be a multi-functional space,where we intend to have grand exhibitions,seminars and workshops,” she adds.

Ashish Anand,director of Delhi Art Gallery,opened a second gallery at the high-end DLF Emporio mall in October 2009. “Those who are not initiated into art are a bit intimidated to enter galleries. Being at a mall helps us reach these people. The footfalls are high and our clientele has increased,” says Anand,who is now looking for spaces in Mumbai and Bangalore.

Vadehra Art Gallery has three spaces and owner Parul Vadehra counts it as an advantage.

The oldest branch,in Defence Colony,established in 1987,usually exhibits artwork of senior artists while the largest,in Okhla,has contemporary exhibitions. The gallery at DLF Emporio stocks art publications,memorabilia and select artwork. “Being in different parts of the city helps us target residents of these areas,and thus increases our reach,” says Vadehra. This could also be the reason that Kiran Nadar opened two museums,in 2009 and 2010.

Gaurav Assomull of Marigold Fine Art in DLF Emporio,on the other hand,is scouting for a space in Mumbai. “We have the first mover advantage of specialising in international art,so it makes sense to reach the connoisseurs,” says Assomull,who has works of Pablo Picasso,Salvador Dali and Damien Hirst among others in his collection.

Of course,having multiple spaces also comes with its share of challenges. One of these,says Bhalla,is to ensure that “There should be enough to excite the audiences at all times”.