“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

The Les Trevor Art Gallery recently hosted “Eclectic Expressions”, a vibrant exhibition that showcased the works of 45 contemporary artists. The event highlighted a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, offering visitors a unique glimpse into modern creative expressions.

Eclecticism is a kind of mixed style in the fine arts: the borrowing of a variety of styles from different sources and combining them. From abstract paintings and surreal digital art to striking sculptures and mixed-media installations, “Eclectic Expressions” celebrated the depth and breadth of contemporary art. Each artist brought their own perspective, tackling themes such as identity, nature, technology, and social issues, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking experience for the audience.

The inaugural event of the exhibition was graced by Ms. Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Ministry of Culture, Government of India. An art enthusiast and a distinguished bureaucrat, Ms. Choudhari’s presence added great significance to the occasion. Having served in various prestigious roles, including District Collector of Raigad and Mumbai Suburban, her passion for art is well-known, and she currently leads NGMA, a role she assumed in August 2024.

During the event, Ms. Choudhari interacted with several esteemed guests, including Sanjay Chahande, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra; Manisha Kundan, Secretary, Department of Culture, Maharashtra; SS Sandhu, Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand; Sitaram Kunte, former Chief Secretary, Maharashtra; Madan Yerawar, Minister of Energy, Maharashtra; Vijay Singhal, Municipal Commissioner, Thane; and Vishwas Nangre Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Mumbai.

Ms. Choudhari also engaged in insightful conversations about the exhibited artworks with art luminaries like Prof. Rajendra Patil, renowned artist; Shashi Tripathi, celebrated art critic; Sushma Bahl, former Head of Arts & Culture, British Council India; Kanchan Chander, noted contemporary artist; and Prof. Sanjeev Gautam, art historian. These discussions provided deeper insights into appreciating and understanding art, decoding its layers of meaning, and recognizing the emotional and spiritual depth in artistic expressions.

The exhibition was beautifully curated, with an eclectic mix of artworks from 45 contemporary artists, showcasing the wide range of styles and influences that define modern art. The blend of historical and contemporary styles demonstrated the transformative power of art, much like Ms. Choudhari’s vision for the NGMA—to foster deeper appreciation and understanding of art in society, inspiring harmony and happiness.

The event also saw Ms. Choudhari reconnecting with colleagues from the Maharashtra bureaucracy, and she emphasized the importance of art in everyday life, stating, “Art is Life, Live with Art brings Your Glory of Manifest.” Her reflections on the exhibition, alongside her interactions with fellow art enthusiasts, reinforced her belief that art has the power to inspire self-discovery and foster connections across diverse cultures.

In her current role as Director of NGMA, Ms. Choudhari is committed to promoting education, research, and appreciation of the arts. Her leadership in bridging art with broader social understanding promises to leave a lasting impact on India’s cultural landscape.

The brains behind the gallery’s curatorial team are Director Claire Montgomery and Curator Ethan Meyers. The exhibition opened on October 5, 2024, and ran for two weeks, concluding on October 19, 2024. It aimed to bring together a diverse array of contemporary artists, each contributing their unique voice to this collective celebration of modern art. The event attracted both seasoned art collectors and newcomers, showcasing the gallery’s commitment to promoting innovative artistic talent.

The gallery’s layout allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the distinct voices of each artist while noticing thematic connections that transcended individual works. With its rich variety of colours, forms, and narratives, the show exemplified the diversity and innovation that defines today’s art scene, making “Eclectic Expressions” a must-see for art enthusiasts.