How often have you heard people say, “Art cannot be bought,”? while for some it may be a philosophical remark, for others it might indicate the fact that art is beyond the common man’s reach. But there are a bunch of like-minded people in the city who are trying to make art accessible and change the perception, that good art costs the earth.

Rather than be awe-inspiring, art should reach out to people allowing them to interact with it, believes Sonal Motla. It was after having organised a series of art exhibitions, that she realised that here audience was restricted to a handful of collectors. This prompted her to set up “The Osmosis where a group of contemporary artists design a range of hand-crafted, lifestyle products at affordable prices. “There are people who enjoy an artistic creation, but don’t necessarily have lakhs to spend A signed piece is bound to cost that

much, but if a group of artists came together and collectively conceptualise a piece, then the object becomes more important than the individual,” explains Sonal.

“When I show a visitor a piece they say, ‘I want something really nice,’. Which means they want something more expensive. But, good art is not about signatures and prices. It can be anything that appeals to me,” says Meher Bijlani of Artquest. Someone who has been collecting art for 25 years, Meher today is known for her kitchen art series. A ghoda gadi light doubles up as a lamp, while a wooden coconut scraper has been painted on, making it attractive enough to adorn your drawing room. “I collect any object that captures my fancy, discuss the idea with an artist and then he works on it,” explains Meher.

‘The Christian Art & Icons’ show
at Artquest gallery.

……ones embellished with Indian imagery are representative of artist Pravin Kulkarni’s creative modernistic style. Among the objects on display are painted altars, cabinets, CD holders, trays, key-holders and old clock boxes – besides paintings framed in sleeper wood. After attending the inauguration on December 15, I must say that this is must-see exhibition ... not just because it is an educative experience (since many of the paintings are based on examples from museums you may never visit), but also because sharing the spotlight with the aesthetic yet functional objects is a rare and talented young artist who needs to be encouraged. Artquest is at 1, Daulat Building, Near Colaba Post Office ... and you can hardly miss it, since there’s specially painted, decorated and illuminated crib installed outside the art gallery. Call: 22150220 / 0083 / 0118 for more details.

Mumbai based gallery Artquest is serving up the Madonna on a tray. Literally. Part of a Christmas collection of “utilitarian art”, it is painted by hand on wood. And waits well at the table. Hand painted tray by Pravin Kulkarni, price on request.

At Artquest, 1 Daulat Building, Near Colaba Post Office, Mumbai - 05.

Inquiries, (022) 22150220.