Bengaluru may be known for its breweries and start-up culture, but tucked between them is a thriving contemporary art scene waiting to be explored. Neighbourhoods such as Richmond Town, Lavelle Road, Indiranagar and parts of MG Road are home to several art galleries. With a growing community of artists, collectors and curious visitors, the city has all the ingredients to turn gallery hopping into its next great weekend ritual.Galleries are becoming spaces for conversationGallery owners believe contemporary art is best experienced in an environment that feels open rather than exclusive. Renu George, founder of Gallery Time and Space, says galleries today are evolving into spaces where visitors are encouraged to engage with art rather than simply observe it. “Galleries can be friendly spaces where we encourage involvement and critical appreciation of artworks,” she says. Having welcomed first-time visitors and curious art enthusiasts over the years, she adds, “It is very pleasurable to know their views and to see their enjoyment of the gallery space and artwork.”Checking out art is a curiosity-driven movement What starts as a few friends drifting between galleries often snowballs into a vibrant crowd, and by the final stop, the trail transforms into a moving social hub as strangers become friends. “It is a great way to meet new people. It is also interesting to see how different galleries put up different shows,” says Mira Dhall, an aspiring artist. “Hopping through multiple galleries in one evening gives me a sense of different discourses at different galleries,” says Divjyot Singh, an attendee and curator. “It brings a lot of awareness to people. Around me were students, contemporary artists, and people just wanting to experience something new. Being in a cohort and going from one place to another, you end up discovering new artists, new practices, and things you might like.”A slower way to spend the weekendUnlike busy cafes and loud breweries, art galleries offer a chance to slow down and discover something new. “After a long week of work, I feel I am in no rush whenever I visit a gallery. I take my sweet time, look at every detail and note if anything is interesting,” says Samprita Ghosh, a lawyer. For Waseem, a marketing professional, going from one gallery to another is a part of discovering everything new. “I may not understand every artwork there, but I enjoy how it makes me feel – calm and thoughtful.”Where to gallery hop:l Venkatappa Art Gallery Bengalurul Gallery Time & Space l National Gallery of Modern Art l Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)l Gallery Sumukhal KYNKYNY Art Galleryl 1Shanthiroad Studio/Galleryl Sabha
