A Platform for the Grassroots of Indian Art
India’s contemporary artscape is transforming from a stringent elite gallery to a more public-oriented, inclusive, and community-driven platform. A prime example of this metamorphosis is the iconic Ahmedabad Ni Gufa. It is a one-of-a-kind underground art gallery where Fevicryl launched its latest initiative: “The Art Chapter – Celebrating the Local Artist.” The organizers have transformed this unique space into a bustling hub for over 50 local creators, and they emerged as a vital patron of art. This exhibition was not just a display of talent; it was a strategic intervention designed to bridge the gap between talented local professionals and the mainstream art market.
The Ni Gufa, designed by Balkrishna Doshi in collaboration with M.F. Hussain, is a space that is dedicated to experimental and indigenous artistic practices. The positioning of The Art Chapter within this space, the organizers placed this initiative within a lineage of Indian modernism that values accessibility, rootedness, and public engagement. This six-day exposition, featuring over 50 artists represent a radiant spectrum of medias including acrylic paintings, mixed-media works, sculptural forms, folk-inspired motifs, and contemporary reinterpretations of mythological iconography. This diversification in the modes of expression reflects on something beyond artistic aesthetics; it signifies the heterogeneity of India’s living art traditions.
Bridging the Gap: Empowering the Grassroots Creative Economy
This exhibition is expecting a footfall of nearly 5,000 visitors that signifies a growing public appetite for locally rooted art narratives. More importantly, the exhibition generated tangible economic outcomes; several artists reported on-site sales. All these convert cultural visibility into professional opportunity. The artisans display a plethora of works to represent the versatility of modern Indian art. From traditional folk-inspired pieces to contemporary mixed-media experiments, the walls of the Gufa were alive with color and narrative. Among all the artworks on view, a painting titled “Melody of Knowledge” stands out. It depicts a stylized, ethereal figure of a goddess (Saraswati) playing a Veena, rendered in warm, earthy tones. This piece, alongside others like the vibrant, intricately painted bird masks, showcased the meticulous skill that Fevicryl aims to champion.
Important Points of The Exhibition
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | The Art Chapter – Celebrating the Local Artist |
| Primary Organizer | Fevicryl (Pidilite Industries) |
| Venue | Ahmedabad Ni Gufa, Gujarat |
| Participant Profile | 50+ Artists (Fevicryl Certified Professionals & Emerging Talent) |
| Chief Guest | Dr. Bhanwar Rathore (Founder & President, BRDS) |
| Core Activities | Exhibition, Indian Art Workshops, Live Sales & Commissions |
The Other Perspectives
Beyond the display of artworks, the organizers have also curated a special Indian Art Workshop that offered participants hands-on exposure to traditional techniques and motifs. In fact, the category Head at Fevicryl, Manam Chandarana’s presence has amplified the overall enthusiasm and ethos of the event. His presence amplified the voices of artists and provided them with the “recognition and confidence they truly deserve.”
The presence of Dr. Bhanwar Rathore, Founder and President of Bhanwar Rathore Design Studio (BRDS), lent further credibility to the initiative. The organizers emphasized the fact that The Art Chapter reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to nurturing India’s local art ecosystem by creating platforms that amplify artistic confidence, recognition, and commercial sustainability. In a bigger context, this initiative redirects attention towards grassroots creativity.
Key Highlights
- Over 50 artists showcased diverse mediums and styles
- Footfall exceeding 5,000 visitors in six days
- On-site sales and multiple commission inquiries generated
- Indian Art Workshop enabling hands-on cultural engagement
- This session allowed visitors to transition from passive observers to active creators, learning the nuances of traditional Indian motifs using modern Fevicryl tools
- Hosted at the iconic Ahmedabad Ni Gufa
- Graced by Dr. Bhanwar Rathore (BRDS)
- His presence provided the participating artists with invaluable networking opportunities and professional validation
- Reinforced Fevicryl’s role as a catalyst in India’s creative economy
- Unlike many “viewing-only” galleries, The Art Chapter facilitated direct commercial engagement
- Many artists secured immediate sales, while several others received lucrative commission inquiries for future work
- The initiative aligned with the national sentiment of supporting homegrown talent, providing a high-visibility platform for artists who might otherwise struggle to find gallery representation in major cities.
Takeaway
“The Art Chapter” represents a masterful blend of corporate social responsibility and brand community building. This model is exactly what the Indian art scene needs: a move away from the “starving artist” trope toward the “artist-entrepreneur.” By investing in visibility, pedagogy, and economic opportunity for local artists, the initiative re-centres the conversation around accessibility and cultural continuity.
More than a showcase, it is a model for how corporate stewardship can ethically and effectively nurture India’s vast but underrepresented artistic grassroots. This exhibition wasn’t just about paint on canvas; it was about the dignity of labor and the celebration of the local identity in an increasingly globalized world.
