Art in Residencies

There are a wide range of points that make an artist CV stand out; a degree from a respected art school, solo shows with reputable galleries, participation in international exhibitions, biennales and fairs, association with museums and important curators. These are tell tale signs that indicate an artists dedication to his craft and shed light on their developing ideas and concepts. But there’s another aspect I think is central to an artists development, known for being a critical step in an artists practice, residencies can sometimes be a key requisite on an artists CV. 
Residencies have been quick to catch on in Mumbai as well, this week I caught up with Saloni Doshi who’s brain child, Space 118 in the heart of Mazgon, has been an essential force in honing talent and spotting artists for the past few years. Relatively new to the Mumbai scene, French curator Eve Lemesle has been running an interesting video art programme that doubles into a residency in Bandra called What about Art.

Saloni Doshi, Space 118 
‘Space118 provides five studios on a short-term basis (1-2 months) to artists as part of its commitment to supporting emerging art practitioners from all parts of the country and the world. Not only do we provide artists with a physical space to further develop their creative abilities, we also encourage them to interact with our advisory panel, engage in critical and constructive discourse, and to meet new people. At Space 118, we build support structures- creative, curatorial & informative- to support artists' research, independent & collaborative projects, and most importantly a network for visiting artists with the art fraternity of Mumbai.
Artists that have recently worked at the space include Parul Gupta, Pratap Morey, Sujit Mallik and Maripelly Praveen Goud.

Eve Lemesle, What About Art 
Over the last year, WAA residency has become a vibrant space where lots of young artists are benefiting from 4 studios in the midst of Bandra. We believe that creative space and process are among the most important aspects in an artist’s practice. The residency provides studio space, accommodation and an intellectually stimulating environment.

Artists and curators who have been in residency: Ratna Gupta, Natasha Mendonca, Abul Hisham, Treiborlang Mawlong, Kedar Dhondu; internationally C&G artpartment (HK), Ernesto Klar (Venezuela/NY), Maximo Gonzales (Mexico), Antonio di Canito (Italy), Carlos Hinginio (Spain), Raymonde April (Canada); curators Gitanjali Dang (India), Eveline Sutter (Switzerland)… among others!

Some of the resident artists have expressed that being at the residency gave them time and space to concentrate and realise new works. The opportunity to engage with the arts community in Mumbai and discuss their practice added to their residency experience.