After making a name for themselves in the online art space over the past nine years, Artisera threw open the doors of their first-ever physical space in Bengaluru last week, with an inaugural show. Titled, Realm of Possibilities, the exhibition features some of the best-loved names in India’s contemporary art circuit.

Initially founded by Varun Backliwal and Lisa Jain as an online art gallery in 2019, Artisera displayed the works of as many as 34 artists at the unveiling of their physical space. From well known artists such as Laxman Aelay, Gurudas Shenoy, Ashok Bhowmick and Vinita Karim to emerging names such as Smruthi Gargi Eswar, Ashu Gupta and Dushyant Patel — all hailing from different parts of the country — Realm of Possibilities is a celebration of artistic treasures.

A burst of colour greets your eye as works in watercolour, acrylics, mixed media, sculptures, oils, inks and more, patiently await your attention. From the bright, jewel-like hues employed by HR Das and G Subramanian to the soothing palette of Claire Iono and stunning detail of Viveek Sharma’s work, an entire spectrum of art is on display, including charming sculptures by Shampa Sircar Das, Dinkar Jadhav and Kandi Narsimlu.

Varun Backliwal and Lisa Jain at Artisera | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

According to the founders, the choice of artists for their debut show was a celebration of those who have been part of Artisera since they were an online-only art gallery. At the same time, new artists have been included in the exhibition in anticipation of possible opportunities in the future.

“This physical gallery space is a natural progression in our journey, and we are excited about bringing high quality, curated art exhibitions to Bangalore, and at the same time, creating opportunities for more people to be able to enjoy art by making it more accessible and less daunting,” says Varun.

Artisera is a sensible, subtle space, which not only gives artists ample room to showcase larger works, but also affords viewers the luxury of contemplating a piece at leisure. Plain white walls that do not distract and select lighting ensures that the works of art remain the focus. The artists’ names lie unobtrusively along the bottom of the wall that their work is displayed on; it does not deflect observation, neither is there a need to squint to ascertain who the creator could be.

Spanning 4,000 square feet, there is no dearth of space at Artisera and, the founders have had the foresight to invest in a thoughtfully designed storage area where clients can browse through works that are not on display.

Artisera | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

While Realm of Possibilities will conclude by the end of the year, the founders already have an exciting lineup of artists to welcome 2025. “We are introducing a concept of ‘Mini Exhibitions’, where we will showcase a small body of work created by renowned senior artists in a marked departure from their usual style,” says Varun, adding that the first two artists they will be exhibiting in this format are Hyderabad-based Laxman Aelay and Bengaluru’s Gurudas Shenoy.

“We will then have an exciting group show featuring three women artists — Smruthi Gargi Eswar, Ashu Gupta and Rakhee Shenoy — who are experimenting with technique, material and subjects. This will be followed by our next big solo exhibition with Delhi-based artist Gurmeet Marwah, known for his satirical art work.”

Varun adds that Artisera’s aim is to showcase emerging artists whose works have not been seen in Bengaluru before. Plans to emerge as a community space for art and heritage, are also in the works.   

Realm of Possibilities will be on display till December 20. Artisera is on the 3^rd Floor, BKN Ambaram Estates, 648/L, 1^st Main, Indiranagar Stage 1.