By Aseem Kulkarni
The art scene in Delhi is alive and booming, and always a good time to get out and get cultured! The best part is you don't even have to pay entry for these galleries, however buying any work would definitely cost a pretty penny. With the help of our good friends at The Portret Project {check them out here}, we bring you a list of our favourite contemporary art galleries and organisations in Delhi.
Nature MorteThe brainchild of New Yorker Peter Nagy, this contemporary art gallery was established in the early 90's and focuses on the challenging, experimental, and cutting edge forms of contemporary Indian art.
Where: A-1 Neeti Bagh
Timings: 11am - 6pm
Contact: +91 11 41740215
Exhibit 320While Exhibit 320 showcases numberous South Asian artists, they're also on a mission to educate and serve as a creative hub. Exhibit320 supports seminars, lectures, discussions, and talks around contemporary art, making it one of the more accessible venues for those without any previous art knowledge, or curious to know more.
Where: F-320, Old Mehrauli Badarpur Road, Lado Sarai
Timings: 10.30am - 6.30pm
Contact: 011 4613 0637
Gallery EspaceEstablished in 1989, Espace was started by Renu Modi with an exhibition of works by MF Hussain. Since then, the gallery has gone on to represent younger contemporary South Asian artists like Zarina Hashmi and Chitra Ganesh.
Where: 16, Community Center, New Friends Colony
Timings: 10am - 8pm
Contact: 011 2692 2947
Art Alive GalleryThis gallery has two locations, one in Delhi and one in Gurgaon. The gallery specialises in exhibitions dedicated to 20th century Indian modern masters, as well as 21st century contemporary artists.
Where: S-221, Gamal Abdel Nasser Marg, Panchsheel Park South; 120 Institutional Area, Sector 44, Gurgaon
Timings: 11am - 7pm
Contact: 011 4163 9000 for Delhi; +91 124 4932000 for Gurgaon
Delhi Art GalleryIf you think HKV is just for eating and drinking, think again. The Delhi Art Gallery has a beautiful space next to Social, which has exhibited modern masters such as MF Hussain and SH Raza.
Where: 11, Hauz Khas Village
Timings: 11am - 8pm
Contact: 011 4600 5300
Vadehra Art GalleryWhile Vadehra exhibits some of the best in contemporary and modern Indian art, they also have a bookstore selling a range of books and prints.
Where: D-40 Defence Colony
Timings: 11am - 7pm
Contact: +91 11 24622545/24615368
Dhoomimal Art CentreIf you feel the need to escape the chaos around Connaught Place, check out Doomimal. Dhoomimal Art Centre is also noteworthy in its representation of emerging, amateur, and well-known established artists and masters.
Where: A8, Connanught Place, Near Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
Timings: 10am - 8pm
Contact: 011 2332 4492
Latitude 28For all you who are interested in reading about as well as looking at contemporary Indian art, check out this gallery. Located in Delhi's Lado Sarai art district, director Bhavana Kakar's Latitude 28 not only exhibits amazing contemporary art, but also has a monthly art publication called Take on Art.
Where: F 208 GF, Lado Sarai
Timings: 11am - 7pm
Contact: 011 4679 1111
Pallette Art GalleryStarted by fashion designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, this gallery looks over the green Delhi Golf Course, allowing for a more peaceful and tranquil space to view their contemporary art exhibits.
Where: 14 Golf Links
Timings: 11am - 6pm
Contact: +91 11 41743034
Devi Arts FoundationHere you go Gurgaon. The Devi Arts Foundation is a not-for-profit space that showcases the Lekha and Anupam Poddar collection {some of the biggest collectors in the country}.
Where: Sirpur House, Plot no. 39, Sector 44, Gurgaon
Timings: 11am - 7pm
Contact: 0124 488 8177
KhojIt has built an international reputation as an outstanding alternative arts incubation space. Through a variety of programmes including workshops, residencies, exhibitions, talks, and community art projects, Khoj has supported the experimentation of many leading Indian artists well before they went on to receive international acclaim.
Where: S-17, Khirkee Extension
Timings: 10.30am - 6.30pm
Contact:+91-11-65655873/74; +91-11-29545274