Delhi Metro unveils exhibition at Jor Bagh stn

Adding a touch of art to its bare walls, Delhi Metro today unveiled a selection of exhibits from the archives of the royals of Mewar at the Jor Bagh station.
The initiative, part of a tie-up between Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and India Habitat Centre, aims to place art in the public domain by taking it out of its traditional exclusivist settings such as museums and art galleries.
DMRC MD Mangu Singh, who inaugurated the exhibition, said, "This joint initiative essentially aims to generate interest in art among the masses. The location has been chosen keeping logistics in mind (as) IHC is close to this station and there is ample space."

A total of 18 sepia-tinted portraits of the Maharanas of Udaipur, sourced from the book, 'The Long Exposure at Udaipur, 1857-1957', have been put up on the walls accompanied by two bilingual panels providing information. The exhibition -- also called 'The Habitat Initiative: Art in Public Spaces' -- showcases "painted photographs" and portraits spanning three generations of the royal house.
IHC President Kiran Karnik, who was also present on the occasion, expressed hope that the move will bring art closer to the public as the exposure through such initiatives will be a "whole lot more" compared to museums or art galleries.

"Art in the form of photographs and paintings are traditionally confined to museums or galleries. Select people go and watch those exhibits.

"I think there is no better place than a Metro station to exhibit and bring art closer to the public since the exposure will be a whole lot more compared to gallery exhibits," Karnik said.
Karnik said that the exhibits will be changed at regular intervals to sustain interest among the commuters.
"If this manages to generate interest then I think this 'Art to the Public' initiative's purpose will be served. The exhibits will be rotated and newer things will be brought in over time," he said.

Thus, in April, the exhibition is set to change as the portraits of the royals will be replaced by photographs of women leaders from across the country by Shashi Gogate.