New Delhi: The new wing of the National Gallery
of Modern Art here was inaugurated by Congress president
Sonia Gandhi on Monday. On the occasion, specially curated
two exhibitions - “in the seeds of time” – from the
collection of NGMA and “Rhythms of India: The Art of
Nandalal Bose” were also opened. The expansion of NGMA
includes the building of three new blocks together with
two levels of basements, adding almost six times the
space to the existing Jaipur House. This brings about
a quantum leap in the positioning, status and infrastructural
environment of the National Gallery of Modern Art, making
it at par with best museums of modern art worldwide.
While
the exteriors of the new wing respect and complement
the art-deco style heritage building Jaipur House, using
similar pink and red sand stone for its façade, the
interiors introduce a modern and contemporary look.
A new exciting design space unfolds, lit by both natural
and artificial light. The asymmetrically placed levels
break the rigid monotony of an orthogonal space and
allow the visitor a view of the dazzling display of
art spread through the whole space. Areas open from
one to another, while the walls give way to glimpses
of the outdoors. The use of cutting edge technology
for 'Intelligent' artificial lighting, sensitive internal
environmental control and electronic security system
enhances the efficiency of the Gallery floors. The predominantly
sand blasted granite flooring, laid to a rational pattern,
provides for a variety of display options for the curator.
The three new blocks include permanent gallery spaces,
temporary exhibition spaces, a new auditorium, a special
preview theatre, conservation laboratory, library and
academic section as well as a cafeteria and museum shop.
The new spaces incorporate all aspects of NGMA's vision
to develop a modern, state-of-the-art museum building
in terms of flexible display systems, varied ceiling
heights, lighting and support facilities and much more.
The new wing makes the NGMA a unique institution; perhaps
no other museum in the world has such a vast space at
its disposal, in the heart of a metropolitan city. Built
on 7.84 acres, the indoor display area alone will be
approximately 12000 Sq. mts, while there is more than
ample space in the courts and sculpture gardens for
outdoor display and site installations. All the spaces
easily accessed by walk-ways, ramps, lifts and staircases
together with special facilities and comfortable seating
within the Galleries and on the outside, the new wing
of the NGMA welcomes senior citizens and the differently
abled equally. The extension reaffirms NGMA's position
as a premier institution of modern art in the country.
It will continue to track the trends in modern and contemporary
Indian art, acquire, preserve and document the best
of Indian art practices. It will use state of the art
storage, conservation and movement facilities, providing
quality care to art heritage. In parallel, emphasis
would be on research and documentation, an enhanced
reference library with web based linkages to premier
institutions in India and abroad, and a wide range of
programmes. NGMA celebrated 50 years of its existence
in 2005.
-
Jan 19, 2009
