New art spaces in Kolkata are redefining traditional galleries by creating immersive experiences, with unique architectures and evolving curatorial practices. Venues like Experimenter and the Kolkata Centre for Creativity prioritize adaptive designs and artist-driven spaces, fostering deep engagement between the artwork and viewers.
Kolkata has been witnessing a rise in new art spaces over the past few years — spaces that have broken the conventional mould of the “white cube” and embraced something far more immersive. Think walls that change colour with every exhibition, galleries housed in centuries-old mansions, and viewing experiences that are as much about the space as the art itself. In a city where history lingers on in every lane, art spaces are now doing more than just displaying works — they are morphing into living, breathing extensions of the stories they tell.
Home to art hub
In 2018, the iconic flatiron building on Hazra Road fell vacant, presenting siblings Varun and Natasha Thapar with the opportunity to repurpose their Ballygunge estate as an art space. In late 2019, 53/2/2 Hazra Road came to life, hosting an outpost exhibition for Experimenter’s 10th anniversary. That spark led to tri Art & Culture’s stature as a contemporary art hub. “A gallery must have a certain character and history for the artist to navigate time and space in a very different way compared to a standard, white cube space. That is our identity,” said Priyanka Raja, director, Experimenter.
SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA
