Every now and then an architect ventures across the obscure boundary that separates art and architecture: Ashiesh Shah

When you really think about it, it’s hard to imagine a history of art without that of architecture. Major cultural eras from the Baroque to Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Modernism cannot be conceived without it. Art is inextricable from its surroundings and therefore intrinsically linked to architecture. In many ways they are the two sides of the same coin.

In these last few weeks, I’ve written about everything from art homes, artists, collectors, galleries and art exhibitions; but this week I’ve decided to get in touch with the cornerstone of my practice, and in many ways the foundation of visual culture as a whole, Architecture.

Artists exploring the subject of architecture is a recognised actuality, but every now and then an architect ventures across the obscure boundary that separates the two disciplines. Take Bijoy Jain, for instance, earlier this year he showed at both Chemould Prescott Road and Mumbai Art Room. His show at Mumbai Art Room with the architect Kapil Gupta and curated by the architect Aaron Schwarz was the most visited exhibition at the gallery, director Susan Hapgood mentioned.
Like any discipline, it’s sometimes tough to break the mould of an architectural practice and even partially identify with art, but there are always individuals who seamlessly work between these two heterogeneous practices.

Vishal K Dar



Vishal maintains that he never truly left architecture, instead he became more interested in the theoretical investigations around architecture as opposed to building it. His practice oscillates between the disciplines of art, design and architecture. Using digital animation software, prototyping technology and new media techniques, he creates installations that push traditional definitions of art and design. He works with materials that range from stainless steel to light. His stainless steel constructions, composed of multiple layers of the lustrous metal produce a captivating luminosity. When I last visited the artists studio, he showed me some of his light installations as well, have a look at what Vishal is up to on my Instagram page.

Martand Khosla



In the midst of designing the headquarters for Volvo, making schools in Assam, an embassy in central Asia and a dozen residential projects, Martand still finds enough time to develop his interest in art. Architecture is an integral element in his artistic practice. His ideas and concepts are closely allied to cities, growth and the people who build them. Martand’s work focus on the inherent characteristics of materials, he is currently working with brick dust as it embodies both the idea of a unit of construction as well as alludes to images of destruction. In the past Martand has experimented with everything from rubber stamps to legal documents. His work is politically charged yet visually perceptive.

Asim Waqif


Besuri Bansuri

While Asim practised and taught architecture, he could never quite shake the feeling of wanting a more tactile metier. After years spent studying architecture, details like sustainability, vernacular technologies and concerns of ecology soundlessly found their way into his artistic practice. Asim began by experimenting with bamboo underscores, exploring both the concepts of vernacular architecture and contemporary art through large-scale sculptural installations. Gradually he began working with materials like discarded wood panels, wiring, plastic and metal waste. Asim weaves these materials into elaborate sculptural words and structures to highlight the idea of rapid growth and its consequences in urban society.

An auction for a cause.
Auctions are in the air, with the Christie's auction fast approaching, the trend is picking pace. If Raza’s and Sher Gill’s are a little over your budget, head to Mumbai Art room for a more affordable auction, one for a great cause.

The Mumbai Art Room is kicking off the Christmas season with a very special sale. Works by sought after artists like Shilpa Gupta, Hemali Bhuta, Bijoy Jain, Pablo Bartholomew and Mithu Sen will be available for less than Rs 35,000.

Our personal favourite was an edition by Hemali Bhuta, priced at Rs 25,000. The ambiguous sculpture made of real silver is reminiscent of a little journal.

The works are on view since Friday and the live auction will take place Wednesday night, December 11, at 7.30 pm. Happy shopping!