Experiencing art on the wall of a museum or a gallery is one thing, but to witness it within the surroundings where it was made is another — a rare opportunity to be precise.
Meet Jamshedpur-based art teacher Uttam Mallick, 49, who has converted his two-bedroom Kadma apartment into an art gallery.
Mallick’s gallery-cum-studio was inaugurated on Sunday by ADM (law and order) Subodh Kumar, who is also a self-taught artist.
“I had always dreamt of owning an art gallery, but here in Jamshedpur not everyone is interested in art. Besides, I had financial constraints. So I thought of converting my apartment into a gallery. I display my work in the living hall and a room. Without the support of my parents and wife this wouldn’t have been possible,” said Mallick who along with three others have been selected from the state to be felicitated at the Tune of Art festival in Dhaka from October 23 to 26.
Mallick has already invested over Rs 30,000 behind the new art gallery where he has exhibited around 30 paintings. From changing the lighting to the wall colour, Mallick has taken care of all minute details to turn his apartment into a gallery. The gallery is open to art lovers between 5pm and 7pm on all days.
“I came across this concept in metropolitan cities where there is immense space crunch and several talented artists cannot afford to display their work in art galleries. So they create their own space. Even though I can promote my artwork on social media, I would still like buyers to come here and take a look,” he added.
Subodh Kumar was equally impressed. “Passion always finds a way. As an art lover, I appreciate what Uttam has done. He is one of the best artists in the city and the gallery is an inspiration to many aspiring artists like him,” said Kumar.