The People of Mumbai Curated Walk
On 14th November, the Heritage Art and Culture Committee organised a special preview of The People of Mumbai exhibition at the Mumbai Gallery of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, as part of our Rotary Club’s ongoing relationship with the Museum. When we think of Mumbai, we think of three things – land, water, and its people. This insightful exhibition highlights three key themes – Mumbai as a city of opportunity, a city of migrants, and a city of cosmopolitanism through the lives of Mumbaikars. The exhibition features artworks by 16 artists, curated by our very own Rtn. Nandini Sampat, the architect of the gallery. She presented and explained the entire concept to the awestruck audience after months of meticulous planning.
The experience showcased slices of Mumbai life. Valay Shende’s installation, Virar Fast, made of metal discs, depicted the common man’s life hanging from the local train. Sabu Kohli’s interactive installation breathed life into Mumbai’s mangroves. Parag Tandel paid tribute to his Koli heritage with rows of concrete sculptures of Bombay ducks drying in the sun. David D Souza’s portrait series featured Behragis and Dabbawalas. There were also objects that give Mumbai its identity – the bus conductor’s aluminium ticket box, the coolie badge and uniform, and many other evocative surprises. Highlights included learning how the iconic Mumbai snacks, pav bhaji and vada pav, originated as migrants’ food, and viewing a sample of costume design by Bhanu Athaya, the first Indian to win an Oscar for Best Costume. Her daughter, Radhika, gave a deep perspective on her mother’s craft and spoke of her involvement in the famous progressive artist group and her work designing costumes for more than 100 films.
The exhibition concluded with an AI projection of what Mumbai will look like in the future. It was a beautiful evening for an ardent Mumbaikar. Do visit the Museum and catch the exhibition soon. – Rtn. Radhika Saraf