RMZ Foundation on a mission to democratize Art - supports award winning artist Alicja Kwade

Anu Menda: Managing Trustee, RMZ Foundation.

1. What inspired the RMZ Foundation to endorse Alicja Kwade's installation at The Sculpture Park in Jaipur, and how does Kwade's work resonate with the foundation's dedication to fostering diversity and gender equality in the arts?

The RMZ Foundation supports Alicja Kwade's installation at The Sculpture Park in Jaipur as a part of its commitment to enhance public spaces and advancing diversity and gender equality in the arts. Alicja Kwade, a globally acclaimed contemporary visual artist known for exploring time and reality, perfectly aligns with the foundation's objective to showcase exceptional female artists and empower women in the field of arts. Kwade's innovative installations challenge perceptions, creating a captivating interplay of reflective surfaces that encourage contemplation on the essence of existence. By presenting Kwade's largest work in India, the foundation aims to reach a new audience and underscore its dedication to ensuring art is accessible to all. Our Foundation has actively promoted female artists, showcasing their work and integrating it into built environments. Through collaborations with female artists like Kwade, RMZ Foundation continues to break traditional boundaries, integrating art into communities and contributing to the cultural richness of society. Some of the women artists in our collection including Trupti Patel, Shanthamani M., Shilpa Gupta, Vibha Galhotra, Jaysree Burman, Manish Parekh, Suhasini Kejriwal, Shaikha Al Mazrou

2. Why is Alicja Kwade's installation, Superposition, chosen as the centerpiece for the fourth edition of The Sculpture Park, and what impact does RMZ Foundation aim to achieve by showcasing Kwade's largest work in India to date?

Alicja Kwade's installation, Superposition, is chosen as the centerpiece for The Sculpture Park's fourth edition due to its substantial size and the artist's global acclaim for exploring time and space. The fourth edition of The Sculpture Park, India's first contemporary public sculpture space at Madhavendra Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur opened on January 28 and remains on view until December 1, 2024. RMZ Foundation aims to showcase Kwade's thought-provoking work, prompting viewers to reconsider perceptions through intricate reflective surfaces. By supporting Kwade's largest work in India, the foundation introduces her art to a new audience and reaffirms its commitment to making art inclusive. RMZ Foundation's dedication to promoting women in the arts is evident, aligning with the broader goal of enriching public spaces and fostering diversity. The exhibition contributes to the cultural vibrancy of communities, emphasizing art's transformative potential to inspire dialogue.

3. Could you shed light on the unique aspects of Superposition, such as the interlocking steel frames and the use of everyday materials like mirrors and stone?

Superposition features distinctive interlocking steel frames, resembling a folding screen. Notably, the artist employs everyday materials such as mirrors and stone, adding to its uniqueness. While some frames remain bare, four are adorned with double-sided mirrors, creating a captivating interplay of reflective surfaces. The bronze chairs, a transformation of ubiquitous plastic chairs, add a relatable yet elevated touch. Positioned strategically, they mirror each other, enhancing the spatial confusion. This intricate play between transparency and reflection prompts viewers to question perceptions, prompting contemplation into the essence of existence and challenging established systems.

4. Considering each artist's diverse perspectives and approaches, how does the RMZ Foundation select and curate artists for its initiatives?

RMZ Foundation meticulously selects and curates artists for its initiatives by valuing diverse perspectives and approaches. Under the discerning leadership of Ms Anu Menda, the foundation embraces a commitment to democratize art, ensuring a broad audience for various artistic practices. With a focus on empowering women artists, the foundation's collection features globally recognized contributors, chosen for their unique visions. The selection process involves a keen appreciation for innovation, cultural richness and a transformative impact on public spaces. This approach aligns with RMZ Foundation's mission to make art accessible, promote diversity and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities. Every artwork in an asset is tied in with a curatorial theme; the intent is for the works to be in conversation with each and respond to the larger curatorial narrative.

5. What notable impacts have arisen from past installations and collaborations with global artists? How is RMZ Foundation expanding art accessibility and engaging diverse audiences?

RMZ Foundation's past installations and collaborations with global artists have left a lasting impact, enriching public spaces and fostering cultural vibrancy. By commissioning over 65 art installations from renowned artists like Thukral, and Tagra, Valay Shende, Ravinder Reddy, Dhruva Mistry, Jayasri Burman, Shilpa Gupta and Thukral and Tagra, the foundation has democratized art, making it accessible at flagship properties in major Indian cities. Notable impacts include empowering women artists, promoting diversity and championing the transformative power of art with a focus on mental wellbeing. Through initiatives like The Sculpture Park, RMZ Foundation engages diverse audiences, transcending traditional boundaries and weaving art into the fabric of communities, reinforcing its commitment to enriching public spaces.

6. Could you delve into the captivating partnership between the Government of Rajasthan, and Saat Saath Arts Foundation in orchestrating the annual spectacle that is The Sculpture Park?

The Sculpture Park is an inspiring collaboration orchestrated by the Government of Rajasthan, and the Saat Saath Arts Foundation. Launched in 2017, this partnership breathes contemporary life into India's heritage properties, with a special focus on Madhavendra Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur. By infusing a contemporary edge, the initiative not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, but also underscores a joint commitment to fostering contemporary art. This collaborative effort creates a dynamic platform for global artists, aligning with RMZ Foundation's mission to democratize art and make it an integral part of collective consciousness. RMZ Foundation supports the Artist Alicja Kwade's artwork ‘Superposition' at The Sculpture Park in Jaipur.

7. How does the RMZ Foundation balance its focus on art, resilient communities, and sustainability in its multifaceted initiatives?

RMZ Foundation effectively integrates art, community well-being and sustainability in its diverse initiatives. Collaborating with various artists, the foundation promotes art inclusivity, emphasizing gender equality and empowering women in the arts. Sustainability is a key focus, evident in the use of local materials for installations like Alicja Kwade's. By democratizing art through flagship property installations, the RMZ Foundation contributes to cultural vibrancy and engages a wide audience. This comprehensive approach ensures a harmonious connection between artistic expression.