Twenty-six year old Rizvi, an engineering graduate from University of Mumbai, endeavors to 'showcase Kashmir at a global level' in which he has succeeded to a considerable extent.
Showcasing more than 100 artists and their works, the first of its kind art gallery in Kashmir valley will be open to public from January 12. Syed Mujtaba Rizvi, a student of Goldsmiths, University of London is starting this art gallery in Srinagar.
Twenty-six year old Rizvi, an engineering graduate from University of Mumbai, endeavors to 'showcase Kashmir at a global level' in which he has succeeded to a considerable extent. In April 2014, Rizvi started the 'Keep the Canvas Rolling' project, first of its kind initiative in the world. The canvas, on which Kashmir's prominent artists painted their expression, travelled from Srinagar to New Delhi, Kuala Lampur in Malaysia, Basel in Switzerland, Shiraz in Iran and other cities under 'Keep the Canvas Rolling' project.
Rizvi also heads Kashmir Art Quest (KAQ) - an organisation that has been trying to portray Kashmir's issues on canvas and has also been working towards the advancement of the valley's artists.
Rizvi, who has worked in Burberry and Google, had a knack in art and event management since he was in school where he organised many small scale events and competitions. "It was later at the Mumbai University where I was more enticed by art," he recalls. During this time, he also displayed his own work in several cities of the country like Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad and received accolades.
Instead of pursuing fancy jobs, Rizvi returned to Kashmir with a business plan, which he wanted to execute under the auspices of KAQ. Rizvi along with business associate Faisal Dar began to look for a space where he could build an art galley and were offered space by Tourism department at the Tourist Reception Center, Srinagar. Dar, who looks after operations and logistics and Rizvi are working hard these days to throw open the first and only art gallery in the valley - Gallerie One. "The gallery is an important step in tapping the potential of creative economy in the valley. During keep the canvas rolling project, a lot of well known international artists were eager and amazed to see the work from Kashmir," Rizvi points out.
The gallery, first ever centre for contemporary arts and research, will also have a digital lab, a library, archiving section and a center for research in arts as well.
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