The ongoing pandemic has led to a multitude of changes in our lifestyle, not least curtailing worthwhile pastimes, particularly our freedom to spend the good part of an afternoon hopping between art galleries and museums. Fortunately for us, the cultural world has adapted to the times. Guest writer Hena Kapadia – Gallery Director of TARQ – explores how we can feed our passion for art online, from simply browsing exhibits to buying artworks.
For anyone looking to purchase a work of art for their home, it may seem like it has never been a more challenging experience; but I’m here to tell you that the coronavirus brings with it the opportunity to see, and indeed buy art from more places than was possible before.
Traditional physical spaces that show artwork, galleries, auction houses and artist studios, are all out of bounds (in Mumbai at least) and will remain inaccessible for some time because of the pandemic. However, what the pandemic has done, is forced the once inaccessible and aloof art world online, where more people than ever before can see once unattainable works, all from the comfort of home.
But before you start revenge shopping online for masterpieces (more details on where to do that below) be sure to check out the vast amounts of online content that a range of cultural institutions are currently hosting. A few of my favourites over the lockdown have been The CSMVS, Sarmaya, MAP and of course TARQ. Follow them on Instagram to see the wonderful walkthroughs, Instagram lives, panel discussions and quizzes that they are planning and have hosted already.
Another fun series involves FAQ Art virtually visiting several gallerists in their homes to take a peek at their personal collections.
Now, on to that revenge buying.
To begin with, there are several galleries who have online shows, as well as a few platforms that are bringing multiple galleries together in one place. In Mumbai, check out the Mumbai Gallery Weekend page, to see what all the cities galleries are working on, as well as which ones are opening up by appointment now.
For something a little more international, be sure to stay tuned to the usual Art Fairs, including Art Basel and Frieze who have hosted online viewing rooms for all the galleries that would have been a part of their real-life fairs. In October, Frieze London is scheduled to continue as planned for now, but I’m certain there will be an online component, which will most definitely be worth checking out.
About Hena Kapadia
Hena Kapadia is founder and gallery director of the TARQ, a contemporary art gallery in Mumbai. Her vision has grown into a robust gallery program that has seen nearly fifty exhibitions and a presence in art fairs and exhibitions in India and abroad. Apart from TARQ’s regular shows, the gallery is also committed to building an educational structure that enables the art community to grow through discussion, debate and dialogue across the spectrum. | Follow her @OopsIFellAgain @TarqMumbai
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