Pichwais: A Colourful Journey Through Devotion — Mumbai's New Art Oasis
In an exclusive interview with Carol Goyal, a trustee of The Kailasham Trust, we discussed the gallery's origins, collaboration, the significance of Pichwais, and the upcoming exhibition.
Gallery FPH, the latest addition to Mumbai's dynamic art scene, is adding to the city's artistic landscape with its inaugural exhibition, "Exploring the World of Pichwais." This 3000 sq ft gallery, nestled within the iconic Free Press House (FPH) at Nariman Point, offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, making it the ideal backdrop for an exquisite collection of Pichwai artworks. In an exclusive interview with Carol Goyal, trustee of The Kailasham Trust, ABP delved into the gallery's origins, the collaboration with The Kailasham Trust, the significance of Pichwais, and the upcoming exhibition.
Gallery FPH: A New Artistic Haven In Mumbai
Gallery FPH is Mumbai's latest art destination, spanning an impressive 3000 sq ft located at Nariman Point, overlooking the Arabian Sea. "The brainchild of Ashok Karnani and Abhishek Karnani, who own the Free Press Journal and Free Press House, this gallery has transformed the entry lobby of the Free Press House into a beautiful space dedicated to the celebration of art," Carol said.
The Genesis Of Collaboration: The Kailasham Trust, Gallery FPH
Talking about the journey of approaching the trust, Carol said, "Abhishek Karnani approached 'The Kailasham Trust', chaired by my mother, Tanya Goyal, to launch the new gallery with a splash of color. We suggested an exhibition featuring Pichwais leading up to Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna. In the future, Gallery FPH will offer a free platform for artists to showcase their work, with Free Press Journal providing facilities and support."
Exploring The Essence Of Pichwais:
Carol explained that the term "Pichwai" translates to "that which hangs from the back."
These artworks were primarily created for Hindu temples, particularly those following the Pushti Marg devotional tradition, like the Srinathji temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, built around 1672.
Pichwais are hung behind the idol of Srinathji to depict his divine leelas (miraculous activities). Beyond their artistic appeal, Pichwais serve to narrate the tales of Krishna to devotees and are often changed to correspond with the deity's festival calendar, she added further.
A Dazzling Collection Of 41 Pichwais:
When asked about the extensivity of the upcoming exhibition, Carol said: "For this exhibition cum sale, I have curated a remarkable collection of 41 Pichwai artworks. These pieces have been crafted by President Award-winning traditional artists. Importantly, we will be selling them at prices set by the artists themselves, without charging any gallery commission. This approach ensures fairness both to the artists and to the collectors."
A Peek Into The Initiative Behind This Exhibition:
Recalling the past, Carol told ABP Live, "During the challenging years of the Covid-19 pandemic, many artists struggled to find work. The Kailasham Trust recognised this hardship and funded the creation of traditional artworks to support the entire artistic community. The paintings featured in this exhibition are a direct result of The Kailasham Trust's proactive initiative, led by our Chairperson, Tanya Goyal."
"The Kailasham Trust, which has been in existence for about a decade, promotes both traditional and mainstream arts. Our private museum, The Kailasham Museum in Gurgaon, houses nearly 1000 pieces of ceramics and high-quality art," she added further.
Sharing about her background and journey in the world of art, Carol said: "I am a lawyer by training, holding a Masters in Art IP from London and New York. Over the past five years, I have worked at institutions like Sotheby's and DAG. Currently, I am dedicating a significant portion of my personal time to advancing the projects of The Kailasham Trust."
Exhibition Dates And Details:
The exhibition kicked off with an opening night on August 31 and is accessible to the public from September 1 to September 10.
Gallery FPH's inaugural exhibition promises to be a captivating exploration of Pichwais, shedding light on the intricate world of devotional art. Visitors can expect a diverse and engaging collection that reflects both tradition and innovation, all within the stunning confines of this new art space on the Mumbai waterfront.
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