Making Space

‘Making Space is for artists to reinterpret their studio term in their own way. The usage of a studio is a personal and intimate experience for artists – acting as a playground, laboratory or even sanctum, and their work is displayed on the Open Studio Day, at the culmination of their stay at Space118,’ says Saloni Doshi, director, Space118. Over the years, several ideas, art works, art forms, practices, techniques, materials and methods have been discovered, learnt and un-learnt at the studios. This curated exhibition of 33 artists including the likes of Gauri Gill, Neha Choksi, Tanya Goel, Schön Mendes, Baptist Coelho and Tarini Sethi, charts their specific journeys. In collaboration with Mumbai’s Sakshi Gallery in Colaba, all proceeds from sales of the works in the exhibition will go to the artists and towards the publication of the book, Mapping Residencies in India – Post Independence starting from the Sarabhais till today which has been in research for the past 7 years. 

‘During this process, I realized that the pioneers in offering residencies in India were people such as the Sarabhai Family in Ahmedabad and Bhulabhai Desai family in Mumbai, whose dedicated efforts have gone deep down in creating an art ecosystem in this country. The purpose of this publication is to celebrate the institutions and people who have made space in their homes and hearts for artists and their creativity for decades,’ says Saloni.

Founded in 2009, Space118 provides studios and residencies to artists as part of its commitment to supporting emerging art practitioners from all parts of the country and the world.

‘It is a great feeling to announce the completion of 10 years of Space118 – a venue that has been home to over 300 artists from all over the world. In addition, the Space has organised over 65 art-related workshops and 30 public events. The Space has encouraged new ideas and documentation. In fact, the neighbourhood too has served as a research repository for Sarovar Zaidi on the Shia Muslims of Byculla, Umerkhadi, Mazagaon and Nagpada; and Ali Akbar Mehta's extensive photo documentation of the Mazagaon and Byculla area, still reminiscent of its rich Jewish history,’ says the curator.

Since its inception in 1984, Gallery Sakshi has worked closely with important Indian and international artists as well as introduced many emerging ones. It has held exhibitions of Indian art in Taipei, New York, London, Berlin, Singapore and Hong Kong; and has introduced to the Indian audience work of illustrious international artists like El Anatsui, Gregory Crewdson and Julian Opie, amongst others. 

Making Space will be on view at Sakshi Gallery until 19th October 2019 from 11am to 6pm, except Sundays and public holidays.