Art has the power to shape civilizations, define cultures, and give voice to emotions that words often struggle to convey. Yet in many Indian cities, especially those outside traditional art capitals, visual art still struggles for visibility and appreciation. In this inspiring episode of The Supreet Singh Show, Supreet Singh sits down with Mehak Bhan, Founding Director of 105arts, to explore how passion-driven initiatives can redefine cultural landscapes.
Mehak Bhan, a Delhi native and economist from Lady Shri Ram College and Delhi School of Economics, has a unique and powerful journey into the world of arts. This episode offers the audience a glimpse into the Chandigarh art scene, the life of running an art gallery, and the true meaning and potential of art as not only beauty but also an investment, a conversation, and a necessity in society. As one of the India-based podcasts that consistently brings to the forefront the heroes of the grassroots level, this episode further solidifies the position of the host, Supreet Singh, as one of the best podcasters in India.
This episode of the Supreet Singh Show is a conversation with the visionary behind 105 Arts, a young and passionate art gallery in Chandigarh, India, run by Mehak Bhan. The conversation flows from personal experiences, the problems in the current system, and the opportunities and possibilities in the future, not only as a profession but also as a need and want in the lives of people, linking it to the economy, culture, education, and emotions. Chandigarh is a city designed and built with aesthetics in mind by the famous architect Le Corbusier, but the city has a dearth of public spaces where people can engage with and explore the current visual arts scene. 105 Arts was born in 2021 to bridge this gap and offer a platform to artists, both new and seasoned, and make it accessible to first-time buyers, collectors, and families.
For Mehak, the true essence of art cannot be taken as a conventional job or profession. It has to be natural, almost instinctive, whether you are an artist, a curator, or a collector of art. This, Mehak explains, is what differentiates true artists from casual artists or hobbyists. Chandigarh, in spite of its architectural and cultural grandeur, has a lack of public art spaces. Mehak talks of how a city like Delhi has much more exposure, opportunities, and facilities for artists. Mehak, through 105arts, hopes to bring artists from across the country and the world to Chandigarh, creating a stronger, connected community of artists.
Perhaps one of the most enlightening moments of the interview is when Mehak talks of art as an investment, as a way of creating wealth, as opposed to a car or a gadget, which loses its value as time passes by. Mehak talks of the record-breaking Indian art sales, including the ₹118 crore painting by MF Husain, and how younger professionals are beginning to see art as a way of creating wealth, as a capital of emotion and finance.
The audience at 105arts is quite varied, from seasoned collectors to young professionals, students, children, and even families learning about art for the first time. The audience is seen sketching in the gallery, asking questions of artists, and treating the gallery as a learning space rather than a quiet space. From Phulkari to Chikankari, the episode talks of the vast craft heritage of India and the sad fact that artists are being forgotten. Mehak emphasizes that preserving traditional art forms is as important as promoting contemporary visual art. Instead of a space for displaying art, galleries are shown as a space for dialogue. Artist-in-residence programs, thematic shows, and student collaborations make it a learning space.
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