Peek into New Zealand's palette

Art gallery Chatterjee & Lal is set to display contemporary artworks from New Zealand, at their latest exhibition, titled The Network

While India and New Zealand may be separated by thousands of miles, there are many things that they share in common, including their colonial history. Now, you can catch a glimpse of the contemporary art that has emerged from the island nation at The Network, an exhibition being hosted at Chatterjee & Lal.

Raikaiagorge by Rob Hood, 2014; digital print on archival paper

The event kickstarts with a gallery walkthrough by artist Sanjay Theodore and gallerist Jonathan Smart. The idea behind the event is to set up a dialogue and create a link between India and New Zealand. On display will be artworks by 8-10 artists from New Zealand. The title is a pun on outsourcing but also about connecting, at the same time.

Theodore elaborates on the art scenario in New Zealand: “The country has been represented in the recent Venice Biennale. It has a very active gallery scene. On an average, there are 10 dealer galleries in each major city. This is an achievement given the population of the country is just 4 million. The galleries in India and New Zealand are both open to new ideas and themes.” He adds that as in India, New Zealand’s galleries host shows of artists from all over the world.

Gnat, lenticular print (lenticular lenses produce printed images with a 3D effect and illusion of depth )

This will be one of the first such art shows to come to Mumbai from New Zealand.

Commenting on the similarities between both the countries, he says, “Both have emerged from colonialism and gone ahead in their respective histories. Both have their own vibrant history and are exploring them without the need to make references to Europe.”

The Network happened when Theodore met with Mortimer Chatterjee (owner of Chatterjee & Lal) through writer Bharti Lalwani. This led to an exploration of ideas between Theodore and Chatterjee and thereon with Jonathan Smart, which led to the show.

Snowfall, lenticular print

This exhibition is the first leg of a reciprocal project that culminates in an exhibition of Indian art at Jonathan Smart Gallery in New Zealand, in February 2015.

Preview and walkthrough
April 10, 9.30 pm
on view April 11 to May 10,
11 am to 7 pm
at Chatterjee & Lal, Kamal Mansion, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba.
call 22023787

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