(October 30, 2023) This November, curator Sanya Malik, founder of Black Cube, an alternative art gallery in Delhi, is about to make her mark on the Mumbai art scene. But her journey in the art world goes beyond the debut. It’s a story of passion, determination, and a mission to make art accessible to all. In this article, we delve into Sanya Malik’s fascinating journey and her unique approach to art, featuring celebrated artists like Jogen Chowdhury who will be part of the upcoming exhibition, and artworks in bronze and stainless steel.
Art possesses the remarkable ability to establish deeply personal and subjective relationships with those who engage with it. It serves as a unique language that transcends words, often revealing the complexities of our contemporary world and the societal challenges we grapple with. Her early years were steeped in a profound connection to the art world. “My family’s close associations with modern and contemporary artists exposed me to the vibrant tapestry of Indian paintings and sculpture from an early age. This enriching experience afforded me the unique opportunity to forge personal bonds with some of my most admired artists,” Malik tells Global Indian.
Sanya Malik
After graduating from Central Saint Martins in London, Sanya decided to try curation. She went on to do a Master’s at the Royal College of Art, London. Her interest lies in understanding the visceral impact that art can have on people. “I am perpetually drawn to artworks that possess a multifaceted quality, ones that are intricately layered with the nuances of our era. These are the works that, to me, carry the echoes of not just the artist’s creativity but also the resounding voice of our times, encapsulating the struggles, the aspirations, and the cultural zeitgeist,” she explains.
Creating a Platform
Black Cube’s core ethos revolves around making art accessible to all and was born in 2017 out of a desire to break down the barriers that often intimidate visitors in traditional gallery spaces, where asking questions and engaging can be daunting. “We felt the need for a more inclusive approach. Our unique model doesn’t rely on a fixed physical location. Instead, we adapt to the contextual demands of the art we showcase. This fluidity enables us to create spaces that align perfectly with the specific artworks on display, ensuring an engaging environment,” says Malik.
In the debut exhibition, Black Cube used an interiors-and-lighting studio in New Delhi has their canvas. At Art Mumbai this year, they will seamlessly transform into a ‘white cube space’. “Our commitment extends to working closely with artists, fostering collaboration, and supporting their creative processes. This approach results in fresh, innovative showcases that reflect our core values, making art accessible, engaging, and ever evolving,” she adds.
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Art Sojourn
In her early twenties, Sanya encountered numerous challenges, particularly as a young woman trying to break into a tightly knit industry with pre-established relationships and norms. The need to constantly prove herself, whether working as an employee or as the director of Black Cube, has been a continuous journey and one that fuels her determination each day. “As a young woman in the industry, I have faced the ongoing need to prove myself at every turn, defending my age, experience, knowledge, and capabilities. This journey has required me to challenge norms and carve out my own space within the industry, and it has been both gratifying and demanding,” she says.
Sanya’s progress has been a gradual process and the most rewarding aspect, she says, is the relationships they have cultivated with the artists they represent. “Those connections have been the highlight of my journey.” She believes the key to overcoming challenges, both in the past and today, is to trust oneself, to identify areas of improvement and hone one’s skills and above all, never giving up. Recognizing that learning is an ongoing process and being aware of how much more there is to discover is crucial for navigating a competitive landscape.
Lessons learned
Sanya emphasises that women need to be passionate about addressing a specific barrier and can identify a gap in the market they are eager to fill. “Don’t hesitate—take the plunge immediately. However, be prepared for a long and challenging journey that will evolve and compound over time. Perseverance is your greatest ally during the entire process of building your venture. If you’re seeking short-term validation, entrepreneurship might not be the right path for you, but if you are committed to the long-term vision, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling,” she avers.
Quiz her on what she has learned, and she says that she has learned to develop thick skin and not let setbacks demotivate but rather encourage her. Determination is crucial to moving forward. The second pertains to building relationships. In the art world, connecting with the right people is pivotal. This journey has taught me the importance of putting myself out there and actively seeking opportunities to engage with artists, peers, and industry professionals. It is a dynamic space that is constantly evolving, so staying open to new ideas and fresh perspectives is essential.
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Looking ahead
Black Cube collaborates with renowned modern and contemporary artists who are pushing boundaries in terms of themes, mediums, and scale. The dynamic Indian contemporary art scene is currently the most exciting space in the country. “Our debut at Art Mumbai’s inaugural edition in November is our first venture into the vibrant world of art fairs. We are thrilled about Art Mumbai, where we will present a diverse collection of sculptures, spanning from modern to contemporary, indoor to outdoor,” she says. The line-up includes celebrated artists like Himmat Shah, Thota Vaikuntam, Jogen Chowdhury, Krishen Khanna, Manu Parekh, Madhvi Parekh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, Yashika Sugandh, Arunkumar HG, Valay Shende, and Dhananjay Singh.
Among these artists, there are sculptors and then painters who have ventured into the realm of sculpture, imbuing their paintings with a three-dimensional vitality. “Post Art Mumbai 2023, we are eagerly anticipating a thrilling year ahead in 2024 for Black Cube. We are working on a series of contemporary art exhibitions in New Delhi. We are also excited to participate in more art fairs, expanding our reach and engaging with diverse audiences. Looking ahead to 2025, we are setting our sights on international exhibitions. Our goal is to take Black Cube’s distinctive approach to global audiences and promote India’s rich contemporary art scene across borders. Our future is characterized by innovation, exploration, and a commitment to expanding the horizons of art in a rapidly evolving world,” she signs off.
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Rahul Roy-Chowdhury[/caption]
A still from the show Teen Spirit[/caption]
A still from the sets of The Chosen[/caption]
A still from the sets of The Chosen[/caption]
Receiving the Tufts Senior Award in 2016[/caption]
With tribal kids of Odisha[/caption]
Addressing audience at one of the events[/caption]
With Anthony Monaco and senior members of Tufts University at Presidential Award Ceremony[/caption]
Invited at Kaun Banega Crorepati as one of the experts[/caption]
Speaking at Harvard[/caption]
With Amartya Sen and friends[/caption]