Indian art

"India is a powerful civilisation with four thousand years of continuous evolution, and a dynamic modern society with the drive for development. The combination of deep social traditions, search for the answers to the global challenges and rapid transformation in all spheres of life have created a distinctive pattern of Indian culture. It is a phenomenon of great interest and still an enigma.

We spent seven years in India. Our collection reflects the stages of our journey and our personal experience as we were discovering a new country. Indian cultural traditions are so powerful that they nurture various types and forms of creativity. Contemporary art works keep reflecting the ancient legacy. It is this connection and transition which gives birth to inspiration. Finding unity in Indian diversity is the theme of our exhibition.

This is the first Indian contemporary art exhibition in Russia, as far as we know. Traditional Indian handloom is more familiar, and it always evokes surprise and admiration, especially in our techno-age. We invite you to take a look at India through this unique combination of contemporary and traditional that keeps us wondering. India never fails to surprise!"

"India is a complex weave held together with threads of a binding culture steeped in spirituality. Millenia of tradition and heritage continuously, and chaotically, intersect with the contemporary that make the warp and weft of an incredible tapestry. It is a history chequered with triumph and decline, scripted by the Victor and the vanquished, and yet there is a buoyant current that carries this ark of hope ever forward.

Andrey and Katya's collection was born from the intrigue and allure of this vibrant civilization that can be peeled through endlessly. From a chance visit to Gallery Threshold in Delhi, a deep friendship emerged. (The first works that they acquired were by Priya Ravish Mehra and V. Ramesh — each distinct in their vocabulary and both artists with whom they formed enduring bonds).

The reason for sharing this collection is inextricably intertwined with the reasons for building it. There is no logic or method to be found. I invite you to soak it like the sun on a winter afternoon. The collection is the storybook full of chapters of discovery and awakening.

The purity and simplicity of intention, first in building this collection and now sharing it with their fellow countrymen, is reflected at the core display of white handwoven 'mulmul' muslin cotton. This delicate/ethereal core symbolizes purity, spirituality, faith, and truth. As we move to the periphery, the layers of rich textiles echo the experience of enrichment from their relationships with artists, artisans, and friends during their time in India. The reasons for sharing this collection, throws light on the reasons for building it. It is about joy of the act and the abundance in the sharing.

I hope this exhibition allows a larger audience to experience this special journey — one I'm privileged to have been a part of."