Kalpana Shah walks down memory lane on her gallery's tenth anniversary

Tao Art Gallery, started by Kalpana Shah, is celebrating its tenth year anniversary with a new show this week. The thought of starting the gallery first rose in Kalpana’s mind during the aftermath of the Mumbai riots. Kalpana says, “I saw artists including MF Husain painting on open canvases in Marine Drive and realised my passion for art.” However, it took eight years for Kalpana’s dream to become a reality and Tao only opened in 2000.

Tao’s first show consisted of art that Kalpana had in her existing collection. She slowly began to buy art to supplement her stock. Kalpana says, “My purchases were driven by my intuition, I never looked at the financial aspect of it.”

Kalpana never imagined that the gallery would be so successful. Kalpana says, “I was reliving the experience, looking at photos from the past ten years and all the memories came flooding back. I have so much gratitude for the artists, my family, friends and well-wishers.”

Kalpana, who lost her husband during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, says, “It’s a mixed feeling, I’m so happy to have reached this landmark but at the same time I miss my husband tremendously.

Two years ago we were discussing the tenth anniversary and talking about how we would celebrate it in a big way. Now it’s a sober and muted celebration. I have to keep up a brave front and keep smiling.”