This has been an amazing journey . Started with a passion for
art , but no knowledge of the commerce of it . Started as a tribute to my Dad , Jhamat ,
who exposed me to the arts at the age of 6 . Hugely encouraged by my husband Jamal . God
surely protects the innocent , as Jamaat took off right from the beginning .
This is not just a gallery , it is a "Gathering" ,
like the name says in Urdu . I wanted it to be more than just a white cube displaying art
. I wanted it to be interactive . Where the outside came in and the inside was visible out
. A place for exchange of thoughts , ideas and dreams . A place of debate , discussions
and solutions . A place to come , look at your leisure and enjoy. A place where the door
is open to all . This was my dream .
The artists I have shown , have always been those whose works
I have admired . Not only from Bombay , but all over the country . And some from the
neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh . From established artists to new
artists . From paintings , sculpture to installations .
We have hosted plays , music recitals , book launches .
Held art workshops for kids from Mobile Creche and Akansha . English language classes for
the Municipal School kids by the Sujaya Foundation . Samir Mondal conducted art workshop
of watercolours last year . And on and on .
My biggest joy is when
I discover a new artist . Expose them , guide them , and watch them develop and grow . So
many of my "babies" are now stars in their own right .
My
biggest delight is guiding a fresh first time art buyer . Seeing their eyes light up with
passion .
JAMAAT
has impacted our lives hugely . Not just mine , but also my husband Jamal and our kids ,
Priyanka and Karan . Just being surrounded by art all your working hours is beautiful .
Add the people you meet , not just the creative and crazy artists but also excited buyers
, you becoming personally involved with these people . They become your friends . The
places you go, the people you meet , the way you think , the way you see and hear the way
you do things , what you are involved with , we have all changed .
The
path I see before me is to continue adding new dimensions to JAMAAT . Perhaps art talks,
perhaps art appreciation discussions . Showing different genres of art . Showing very fine
folk art , which is something that fascinates me . The artisans are so evolved , they are
really fine artists . Time and the almighty will show the way .
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