80 years of preserving art and promoting Indian artists at Dhoomimal Gallery

Dhoomimal Gallery (DMG), established in 1936 by Shri Ram Babu Jain is the oldest contemporary art gallery in India. Having recently completed about more than 80 years of successfully promoting Indian contemporary art, Dhoomimal has always been more of an institution than a mere commercial gallery.

1. What is the history and significance of Dhoomimal Gallery since its establishment in 1936?

Dhoomimal is more than just a gallery; it's an institution. Established in 1936 by Shri Ram Babu Jain, in close collaboration with artists like Sailoz Mookherjee, Chughtai, BC Sanyal, and others, Dhoomimal initially served as a meeting place for artists, critics, and art enthusiasts to exchange ideas. Over time, this gathering spot evolved into India's first modern art gallery. In the 1960s and 1970s, under the leadership of Mr. Ravi Jain, Dhoomimal entered its most active phase. It hosted the first major exhibitions of artists from all across India. The artistic partnership between Swaminatha and Ravi Jain shaped the modern Indian art world, facilitating rich exchanges across various art forms. Today, Dhoomimal Gallery is a haven for artists, a mecca for the art community, and a nurturing space for all creatives.

2. Can you tell us about the featured artists and exhibitions that have graced Dhoomimal  Gallery over the years?

The gallery's journey began with pre-independence artists such as Sailoz Mookherjee, Jamini Roy, AR Chughtai, Sushil Sarkar. In the 1950s and 60s, it embraced artists from the Delhi Shilpi Chakra like BC Sanyal, Rajesh Mehra, KS Kulkarni, and Jaya Appaswamy. The 50s and 60s also saw senior modernists and progressives like MF Husain, FN Souza, HA Gade, J Swaminathan, Krishen Khanna, Anjolie Ela Menon, and Bimal Das Gupta becoming part of Dhoomimal's legacy. In the 1970s, the gallery continued to play a pivotal role by providing a platform for emerging artists, including luminaries such as Manu Parekh, Paramjit Singh, Madhavi Parekh, Arpita Singh, Jogen Choudhary, Vivan Sundaram, Bikash Bhattacharjee, and many others who are now well-known in the art world.

3. Could you share insights into the role of Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation within the context of Dhoomimal Gallery’s mission?

Mr. Ravi Jain firmly believed that to sustain the art movement in India, it was essential to discover and support young talent continually. Following his untimely demise in 1991, his wife took the initiative to establish the Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation. This foundation aimed to identify young talent across the country and provide them with a platform for growth, similar to the opportunities many artists had found through the gallery before them.

4. What are some notable milestones or achievements that Dhoomimal Gallery has reached in its long history?

Over its eight-decade history, Dhoomimal has provided a platform for hundreds of artists, from legends like Jamini Roy, MF Husain, FN Souza, and Swaminathan to contemporary artists like Manu Parekh and Arpana Caur. Even today, the Dhoomimal stamp remains the ultimate mark of authenticity. Auction houses in India and abroad rely on Dhoomimal's authenticity for works going up for sale.

5. In what ways does RJMF support emerging artists and contribute to the broader goals of Dhoomimal Gallery?

Entries are invited from art colleges across India, and in recent years, independent entries via social media have also been encouraged. Over 500 entries are received, and from these, 50 are shortlisted for an exhibition. Out of the 50, five artists are selected to receive annual scholarships. Additionally, these artists secure representation in the gallery's national and international exhibitions.

6. What future plans or initiatives does Dhoomimal Gallery have in store for art enthusiasts and patrons as it moves forward into the future?

The gallery is currently focused on enhancing its contemporary art lineup. While it has historically been renowned for its robust representation of modern masters from 1930 to 1980, the gallery is now directing its attention towards artists from the 1990s to the present. The Ravi Jain Memorial Awardees are at the core of this initiative.

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