CIMA Art Mela to now enthral art lovers in Mumbai

After making a successful Delhi debut in 2018, the much famed Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA) Art Mela will now make its foray in Mumbai starting January 23, announced the organisers.

Traditionally held in Kolkata, the four-day annual art event, now in its 13th edition, will take place at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai.

Known for showcasing genuine, quality art by artists -- senior, young and emerging -- at affordable prices, the festival this time too aims to merge the boundaries between the high and low art by displaying an entire spectrum from the "pop to sublime".

Over 80 artists from across India would be participating in the event, including the likes of Padma Bhushan-awardee figurative artist Arpita Singh, renowned painters Jogen Chowdhury, Manu Parekh, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Paresh Maity and Madhvi Parekh.

"It was on the occasion of CIMA's 25th anniversary in 2018, that we thought of taking the project nationwide. First to Delhi and now to Mumbai.

"This is a special gift for young Mumbaikars on behalf of the veteran and award winning artists from across the country. From the mighty centres of art to the quiet realms of the patachitra artisans and traditional artists of rural India. All selected meticulously and with a sense of humor and fun," said Rakhi Sarkar, director, CIMA.

Inspired by the famous 'Nandan mela', the Santiniketan's annual art fair conceived in 1973, according to Sarkar, the collection here is presented in a "salon style", the one where the work is simply mounted, and not framed.

"The collection is inclusive and involves traditional artists along with renowned veterans, modern and contemporary artists of India. It is designed to mae art more