Unveiling the Hidden Treasures: A Rare Glimpse into an Art Collector's World
Art enthusiasts, get ready for a unique opportunity! In a bold move, art collector Saloni Doshi is inviting the public into her private sanctuary, offering a rare glimpse into her exquisite art collection. But here's the catch: this is a rare occurrence in India, making it an even more intriguing experience.
The exhibition, titled "The Presence of Absence," is curated by architect Kunal Shah and runs until February 16, 2026, at the Space118 Art Foundation in Mumbai. It's an annual event, a generous gesture by Doshi to reciprocate the privilege she's had of accessing some of India's finest private art collections.
"I've been collecting art since I was 22," shares Doshi, "and these exhibitions are my way of giving back, not just to a select few, but to everyone." She strategically times these exhibitions during Art Mumbai, an annual art festival, to ensure maximum engagement and appreciation.
The current exhibition features a diverse range of artistic practices, from photography to textile-based works. It explores the world of colors, forms, and narratives, showcasing the talents of V N Jyothi Basu, Sharmishtha Ray, Sudarshan Shetty, Zarina Hashmi, and others. "Non-figurative art challenges our perceptions," explains Shah. "It invites us to delve deeper, to uncover the underlying meanings that might make us uncomfortable or perplexed."
One of the highlights is Purvai Rai's series, "People in Prayer," along with "404 Error" and "Place of Worship Not Found." These works appear as an assemblage of shapes, but a closer look reveals their true nature - top-view representations of mosques. Sharmishtha Ray's "Blindspot" is another thought-provoking piece, a commentary on society's blind eye towards the LGBTQ community.
But the true centerpiece is Zarina Hashmi's "Delhi I, II, and III," a portfolio of woodcuts depicting maps of Delhi. Doshi, who spent her formative years in Delhi, acquired this piece during the COVID-19 lockdown. "It evoked a flood of emotions and memories," she says. "The silence in the abstraction, the void, the non-figure, and the non-narrative - it spoke to me."
Since then, Doshi has been collecting abstracts, and this exhibition offers a very special viewing of a hundred such pieces. It's an invitation to explore the world of non-figurative art, to read between the lines, and to find meaning in what is withheld.
So, art lovers, mark your calendars! This is a rare chance to step into the world of an art collector and explore the depths of artistic expression. And this is the part most people miss: the opportunity to engage in an informed public discourse about artistic practices that reflect our contemporary world.
The exhibition is open to the public at Space118 Art Foundation, from 11 am to 5 pm daily, including Sundays and public holidays. Don't miss out on this unique cultural experience!
And here's a thought-provoking question for our readers: In a world where art is often seen as an exclusive domain, how can we encourage more collectors to open their spaces to the public, fostering a deeper appreciation for art and its role in society? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
