Sipping on art

Sat, Jul 5 01:05 AM

You look upon the painting as the coffee cools down, waiting for your pancakes as you contemplate the art on the walls. Slow strains of music seep into your subconscious, and you wonder about the artist, and whether the painting would look as good on your walls.

No, you're not in Paris, you're very much in apni Dilli, at one of its very own art caf and #233;s. As art begins to percolate into the daily lives of the average Delhiite, you can now chill out with friends, enjoy a cuppa and ponder the latest in Indian art at any one of these places.

Market Caf and #233;, Khan Market Soft light streams into a brick-walled interior, illuminating the fascinating exhibits on the wall. Photographs of Afghanistan, postcards from Mexico, caricatures and cartoons, anything that qualifies as art can be exhibited at Market Caf and #233;.

"We once had an exhibition of cartoon characters drawn on stone," says Anshuman Mohta, the owner. Mohta explains that he and his mother were both avid fans of art and hence decided to give upcoming artists a place to exhibit their work.

"It was free initially, but now we charge artists Rs 2,500 for two to three weeks of display. And this money we take only for the upkeep and whitewash," he says.

The response from patrons, he adds, has been so positive that the caf and #233; is now booked for shows right up to October. Choko La, Khan Market Snuggle into a chair with a glass of spicy hot chocolate and gaze upon the art on the walls on the second floor of this chocolate haven.

Recently, Choko La tied up with Nirvana Art, an organisation that promotes upcoming artists. Every two to three weeks, Nirvana chooses one artist to be exhibited at Choko La and about 12 pieces of the artist's work are showcased.

"We liked the concept, and the thing is that it added to the ambience of the place without intruding on our forte. We didn't just throw art in for the sake of it," explains Preeti Trehan, director, sales and marketing, Choko La.

The customers, according to Trehan, love it. F Bar and amp; Lounge, In Focus Wall It may not be an entire caf and #233;, but it's one of the party hotspots, so you can be sure to expect an experience.

Called the 'In Focus' wall, one end of the Lounge area at the entrance of F Bar and amp; Lounge is dedicated to showcasing some of the best talents in Indian art, fashion and photography. On the 'wall', the most prized creations of the artist are showcased.

If lucky, you might even catch the artist there for an interaction.

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