2020 was a tough year for art but things are looking up in 2021, say gallerists

2020 was a steep learning curve for galleries. “It’s been a challenging time,” says Minal Vazirani of Saffronart given that galleries were closed most of 2020 due to the pandemic. But things are looking up in 2021 with the city’s largest coordinated art event, Mumbai Gallery Weekend, taking place over last weekend-- 22 galleries and design venues participated this year. Galleries in the city have been open for a while now and have safety protocols in place.

Safety Framework
Everyone is happy to be back – albeit with new rules in place and less socialising. Shireen Gandhy of Chemould Prescott Road says, “It is extremely wonderful to be hanging real work on walls instead of hanging works on an OVR platform!”

For the galleries, safety is paramount. Sanjana Shah, creative director, Tao Art Gallery, tells ET Panache, “Masks are compulsory, presence of social distancing markers, temperature checks, sanitization of gallery prior and post each walkthrough/interaction are the protocols being put into place.”


Tara Lal of Chatterjee & Lal adds, “The safety of our visitors and gallery staff is uppermost in our minds. We made sure that previews were spread out over the full four days to ensure there would be no overcrowding of spaces.”

Increased appetite for art
Planning such a large scale event during a pandemic did have its limitations though. “Working with a half-capacity team to organise the show, with limited in-person interactions and social distancing while hanging etc., was definitely a limitation but not major,” shares Shah. The inability to make in-person studio visits for much of 2020 was a limiting factor in preparation adds Lal.

But, acclimatising to a new way of working has been different but more meaningful as Dadiba Pundole says. “In fact, there seems to be a bigger appetite for art lovers to come and experience art in a gallery environment. There is also a level of comfort due to the new safety protocols that all galleries have done their best to implement,” she adds.

Adjusting art in 2020
Due to the pandemic, galleries had to look at new ways to engage art lovers with online auctions, virtual exhibitions and private viewings during 2020. “During the pandemic we witnessed an increased interest from a wider base of collectors, with several first-time buyers and younger bidders, and continued support from seasoned collectors,” says Vazirani.

“Bidding online from the safety and comfort of their own homes was an easy way to continue being involved in the art world around the world,” shares Pundole.

However, there is one thing that’s going to be missed in the new setup. Socialising, discussing art and sharing views with artists and art patrons at shows. “It’s a minus,” says Shah.

“The new way definitely reduces the enjoyable, social aspect of art that all of us enjoy. Collectors and artists are also friends, and some of our nicest moments are spent during shows when people stop by,” shares Pundole.

But as Gandhy says, “We hope to come back to those conversations soon!”