Ride through Paradise by Badrunissa Irfan.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Uzma Irfan is Founder, Sublime Galleria, India’s first sky gallery, with spaces in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. She is also Director, Corporate Communications, Prestige Group, one of the leading and most successful developers of real estate in India. Sublime Galleria took part in World Art Dubai (WAD, May 2 - 5), where outstanding art pieces by some of its artists were displayed. Founded in 2009, the vision of Sublime Galleria is to promote the culture of fine as well as performing arts. Sublime supports established and emerging artists and its portfolio includes new age and aspirational artists too.

“Art is an integral part of our rich culture and we strive to keep this alive and accessible to society through our gallery and the various programmes it offers,” says Irfan. Among Sublime Galleria’s initiatives are Sublime ArtEd, which aims to enhance teaching capabilities of art teachers and usher in a new era of art education. Sublime Art Commissioning, unveiled in 2018, involves bespoke artistic collaborations. Uzma Irfan spoke to Gulf Today long-distance from Bengaluru, as WAD took place

Why are you interested in art?

My grandmother was a talented artist and so is my mother. My daughter inherited that talent. I have always drawn motivation and inspiration from these three generations of female artists. Art is all about passion and I have seen it can transform lives. As an entrepreneur, I wanted to create a space that nurtured the creative mind and elevated art. So, I decided to create a platform for upcoming artists. India has so much talent, which is waiting to be tapped into; I decided to help with that and that’s how it all began.

Aren’t art and real estate two different sectors that never can meet?

Absolutely not! In the realm of real estate, art plays a pivotal role in shaping the understanding and application of the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality. While art and real estate seem different, they actually intersect in fascinating ways. I believe art has the power to transform both the energy and the value of space. Art has become an integral piece of the luxury home buying experience and has proven to be a successful way to establish that connection. Whether a sculpture or a painting, art is now a key factor in increasing the value of real estate properties. In an era of advanced technology, art has witnessed a profound transformation. For instance, real estate developers often incorporate art in their projects to enhance the aesthetics and vibrancy within communities. Additionally, art can increase the value of properties and contribute to their uniqueness. Hence, both of them might have different focus, but art and real estate definitely complement each other.

  Uzma Irfan, Founder of Sublime Galleria, is based in India.

How does Sublime Galleria commission artists? Who are the clients?

We offer curation and commissioning services to retail, residential, commercial and hospitality clientele. Our end to-end art solutions include curation, concept and proposal generation, project budgeting and forecasting, artist recruitment, production, framing, logistics, warehousing, art installation and content creation to provide clients with the highest standard of art services. Some of our works include JW Marriott Bengaluru, Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Convention Centre Whitefield, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills - A Tribute Portfolio Resort, Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud, The Artiste, Kochi - A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

What is your assessment of the contemporary Indian art scene?

Contemporary Indian art scene involves recognising its vibrant diversity, encompassing traditional and experiential forms. It is transcending geographical boundaries like never before, thanks to globalisation and digital platforms. Indian artists are exploring a wide range of themes, from cultural identity to global perspectives with various mediums. Institutes and art galleries are actively promoting upcoming artists and artists and their art collections are navigating the global art landscape. As the art world evolves, the Indian scene remains a dynamic landscape, reshaping the contemporary art world.

Do you think there is very little art education in India?

Art education in India holds immense potential to encourage creativity and foster cultural appreciation to nurture talent. Despite facing challenges, there is still a growing momentum towards integrating art into mainstream education. Initiatives by schools, NGOs and government bodies are bridging the gap and providing platforms for aspiring artists to pursue their passion.

What are your expectations from World Art Dubai?

My expectations are high because it’s an incredible platform that brings together artists from across the world. Such platforms push boundaries, ignite conversations and inspire creativity. It is good to witness the energy and passion of the art community at World Art Dubai and being part of an enriching cultural exchange that transcends borders.

What has Sublime Galleria achieved so far?

The ethos of Sublime Galleria is to support upcoming artists, new generation artists and aspiring artists. We offer impactful mentoring for artists, fostering creativity and growth in their artistic journey. Our mission is to foster a deeper connection by creating a space that nurtures meaningful exchanges between artists and art aficionados. We provide artists with recognition and success and buyers with priceless artworks and enthralling experiences. Additionally, what sets us apart is our focus on Art for a Cause - every year we host Art Bengaluru, India’s premier art festival. So far, nine editions of this festival have provided a platform for new and recognised artists across the globe to showcase their talent.