It is official now. Agra finally has its own art gallery. In fact, with an artistic lineage so rich, it was actually two long overdue. In the city next to have an art gallery here. But, not any more for now the artists in the city have a place to exhibit their creations. The very first art gallery devoted to fine art, Sanchit Art Gallery, is the brainchild of Anu Joshan, a prominent member of city’s elite circles and well-known patron of the art. Located at ITC Mughal, the gallery is a part of the hotel’s newly opened Meena Bazaar shopping arcade. Opened with a show of India’s best known painters and artists, exhibited work by Satish Gujral, Hussain, M.F. Husain, Laxma Goud, Sayed, Madhucharya, Paresh Maity, Neeraj Goswami among others.
Having an artistic heritage that dates back to almost 100 years, Agra was the base for a major part of the Mughal rule and it was during this period that art flourished in every aspect of life. Beginning with architecture to jewellery, calligraphy, poetry, work, exquisite handicrafts, embroidery, dance and miniature, these were royal patronage to promote them all. Painting in particular flourished during the rule of emperor Jehangir and the best miniature painting were created during his reign. But with the advent of colonial rule, there was a major shift in style and techniques, changing over to the linear, especially portraits gradually became the most popular art form.
With the opening of this gallery, art lovers can now flaunt artistic tastes. There are about 70 artworks of 30 known artists which are currently on display at the gallery, says Kuldeep Bhargava, general manager ITC Mughal. Until now Agra lacked a fine arts gallery to satisfy the creative urges of fine art lovers and patrons. According to the art lovers in Agra and art connoisseurs of the city, this has been a pressing need for the city for years. Now, with this gallery, the city will be able to host art related activities.
Having an art gallery would greatly boost the confidence of art patrons due to trust and surety of fair dealing. It would also make art works of reputed artists really accessible to them, says Anu Joshan, owner, Sanchit Art Gallery.