Mumbai is one of the most vibrant, eclectic cities in the world and packs a major punch when it comes to the art scene. Being home to everyone from struggling artists to some of the most revered names in the art world, in the Maximum City you will find a generally well-developed aesthetic and passion for art. We’ve listed out 10 of our favourite art galleries in the city, to help you gallery hop with skill.
Founded in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the oldest and most well-recognised art spaces in India. Located in Kala Ghoda, the gallery has four exhibition halls and was designed by G.M Bhuta. The gallery showcases work of local and upcoming artists and also hosts exhibitions of internationally acclaimed artists from time to time.
Gallery Maskara
Located in a gargantuan space in a city that is otherwise fighting for breathing room, Gallery Maskara features 50-foot ceilings and international exhibitions. Owner Abhay Maskara calls his space a ‘warehouse on 3rd Pasta,’ which it truly is. The mammoth space allows for unconventional showcases of large pieces and mega installations.
Lakereen: The Contemporary Art Gallery
With a PhD in Art History from Cornell, Arshiya Lokhandwala set up Lakereen to showcase edgy pieces in a variety of media. Politics drive Lokhandwala so many of the exhibits feature this post-colonial bent of mind that the owner is so passionate about. The gallery also hosts a regular lecture series, open to all who wish to attend.
Project 88
Located in a cavernous space, the former printing press turned art gallery opened in 2006 by Sree Goswami presents informed and alternative art to the Indian market. Apart from showcasing up and coming talent, Project 88 also features better known artists like Bharat Sikka and Bharti Kher. The gallery is best known for the offbeat and experimental multimedia shows Goswami loves.
Studio3 Art Gallery
Studio3 Art Gallery is home to emerging talent and fosters their spirit not only by regularly showcasing their work but also by actively encouraging their artistic expressions. Here, you will find modern Indian art in a variety of media from oil and acrylic to charcoal and water colour.
Tao Art Gallery
Located slightly away from the hustle of South Bombay galleries, Tao was set up in 2000 and features talent of all levels, in its Worli space. Self-taught artist and philanthropist Kalpana Shah heads the multi-disciplinary gallery that showcases all forms of art, including sculpture, video and performance art. Tao has also curated work abroad and has been an active participant in publishing books promoting Indian artists.
Tasveer
True to its name, Tasveer focuses exclusively on photography - predominantly in black and white. It has also held more contemporary and even vintage shows in the past. Also part of a national photography collective, Tasveer is the best place to find emerging and established Indian photographers. The shows are always short-lived (never more than ten days) however Tasveer also maintains a large digital archive.
Volte
Volte is one of the newest galleries we’ve listed but has quickly risen to the top of many best of lists. Owner Tushar Jiwrajka's tastes lean more toward the surreal and strange; Volte is the perfect platform on which he is able to showcase his globally eclectic vision. The gallery focuses on video installations most often but you can also find other work in this 3,000 square foot space.
Chemould Prescott Road Gallery
Originally located within the Jehangir Art Gallery, Chemould Prescott Road was set up in 1963 by Kekoo and Khorshed Gandhy. Now run by their daughter Shireen, the gallery features a mix of young and not-so-young talent. Chemould continues to inspire and attract the artist in all of us.
Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke
Ring the bell and enter into a stark, minimalistic gallery where the many rooms feature a mix of both emerging artists and celebrated icons. Mother and daughter duo, Usha Mirchandani and Ranjana Steinrucke have brought names like Kiki Smith, Jonathon Meese and Wolfgang Laib to Mumbai, under the banner of their gallery.
Whatever your taste, a visit to a gallery is always a nice way to spend the day so check out one or all of the above, and let us know your favourites on Twitter and Instagram @DiscernLiving.