Mixed Bag III

“Mixed Bag” is a festive season art exhibition that seeks to bridge the gap between the bazaar and the gallery. As Diwali and Christmas markets brim with luxury goods, home décor, and gifting items, galleries often remain quiet and overlooked. This exhibition aims to challenge the myth that art is reserved only for the elite or intellectual few.

Art, like any other commodity, has both user and exchange value. People naturally seek beauty which is achieved by adorning their homes with silver, imported crystals, Lladros, and Muranos. But the same people seldom consider ceramics, sculptures, and paintings from galleries as products that too can adorn their homes or fit in such urban spaces. Yet, unlike mass-produced decorative items, works from galleries are often unique, created by established or promising artists, and hold long-term value.

Two key misconceptions deter people from visiting galleries during the festive season: first, the belief that galleries cater only to the rich; and second, the lack of awareness that art is not just aesthetically pleasing but also a secure and appreciating investment. As writer Cory Bell reflects, art is not just a framed luxury but an evolving expression of creativity, curiosity, and life. It must be dynamic, engaging with new materials and technology, not locked away in a museum. Art has the power to coax life into inert matter and has magic that is accessible to all.

“Mixed Bag” presents pottery, sculpture, and painting by both established and emerging talents, curated for easy appreciation by even non-connoisseurs. This season, we encourage shoppers to consider art as part of their festive purchases. The exhibition hopes to transform galleries into as much a destination during festivals as the shopping mall.