Exploring the Artistic Haven of Mehak Bhan in Chandigarh

A Home Filled with Art

Mehak Bhan, an art entrepreneur in Chandigarh, has transformed her residence in Sector 10 into a true paradise for art enthusiasts. The spacious home features impressive works by artists like GR Iranna, a striking sculpture by Seema Kohli, and a piece from Krishen Khanna's renowned Bandwalla series. Just like her art gallery located in her home, the art displayed here is thoughtfully curated, creating an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming visitors.

A Vision for Emerging Artists

French impressionist Edgar Degas once said, 'Art is not what you see but what you make others see.' For five years, Mehak has been dedicated to helping the community appreciate art through her unique perspective. As the founder and curator of 105 Arts, which she prefers to call a 'community space,' her mission is to provide a platform for young, aspiring artists to showcase their talents.

Supporting Local Talent

Mehak's passion extends beyond the glitz and glamour often associated with the art world. She is committed to ensuring that emerging Indian artists receive the recognition they deserve. It brings her immense satisfaction to support artists from diverse backgrounds, including a fisherman’s son or someone from Hoshiarpur who needs funds for a family wedding.

Understanding the Art Market

In a city that takes pride in its homes but lacks a deep understanding of art, many collectors tend to gravitate towards well-known names. However, Mehak's experiences have shown her that there is a market for all types of art. She often finds herself pleasantly surprised by the willingness of local art lovers to invest in works by lesser-known artists, such as Kolkata's Avijit Dutta. Her advice to first-time buyers is simple: 'Stick to your budget and choose what resonates with you.'

Curating with Heart

When selecting which artworks or artists to feature, Mehak follows her intuition. Her background in economics helps her understand the appreciation of art over time, allowing her to create portfolios without treating them as mere marketing tools. For her, running 105 Arts is about giving back to the community. She recently curated an exhibition titled Mool, which aligned perfectly with her vision of exploring themes in depth.

Celebrating Chandigarh's Artistic Heritage

Mehak holds a deep appreciation for the architectural legacy of Chandigarh. Rather than imitating gallery models from other cities, she aims to establish a unique identity for Chandigarh's art scene. 'We need to set our own standards,' she asserts, emphasizing Punjab's rich artistic history and the responsibility to nurture it.

Art Awareness Beyond Government Efforts

Mehak believes that promoting art awareness should not solely fall on government shoulders. She shares a light-hearted moment about her friends who have guided her through her journey, offering advice on navigating the art world.

Upcoming Exhibition: Ember. Deep. Charāgh. Loa.

Her upcoming exhibition features an installation, but she primarily focuses on paintings, as she believes they are the best entry point for new markets like Chandigarh. For Mehak, art embodies beauty and joy, perfectly encapsulated in the tagline of 105 Arts: 'find your shade of joy with us.'

Diversity in Art

The exhibition Ember. Deep. Charāgh. Loa. showcases the elemental force of flame across four languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. Mehak emphasizes that art in India must embrace diversity and inclusivity. The month-long show features four artists—Gurmeet Marwah, Shubhra Das, Kamar Alam, and Chaitali Chanda—each bringing their unique perspectives. Kamar Alam's works evoke tranquility, while Gurmeet Marwah employs satire to reflect society. Shubhra Das creates layered, delicate canvases, and Chaitali Chanda captures the vibrant essence of Kolkata through her colorful depictions of mango groves and flower markets.