The core idea is to push contemporary art: Aparajita Jain

Art purveyor Aparajita Jain started Seven Art Limited (a gallery based in the heart of New Delhi), a month-and-a-half after Lehman Brothers collapsed. Quite a daring step at that point in time. However, with her single-minded vision and tireless passion over the years, she managed to create a brand and nurture some of the game-changing artists of our times. In 2010, the dynamic visionary founded the Saat Saath Arts Foundation (SSAF), a first-of-its-kind initiative she built to catalyse international exchange between India and the world. The foundation is forging a plethora of close-knit artistic relationships with a panoply of international curators, museums and galleries.

Now Saat Saath Arts Foundation joins hands with the Rajasthan government to create first permanent International Art Space in the state. She talks about the importance of making the arts accessible to public, role of corporates and future plans.... 

As the founder of the Saat Saath Arts Foundation, what’s your vision for the Sculpture Park located in the iconic Madhavendra Palace, Nahargarh Fort?

It’s the first contemporary Sculpture Park in the country and the iconic Nahargarh Fort is the perfect fit for the project. The Fort is the metaphor for untouched heritage and is spectacularly maintained. It’s a great place for that symbiosis.

How did the collaboration with the government of Rajasthan come about?

The Rajasthan government was keen on promoting the arts in public spaces. Once you have like-minded, passionate individuals to share your vision, it gives you a greater impetus. They trusted us and working with them was quite a dream — from CM Vasundhara Raje to her departments — everyone was excited about it.

With the Sculpture Park initiative, how do you aim to promote and highlight contemporary art?

We’ll continue to add more artworks and institute this permanently. The core idea is to push contemporary art in the public domain. Currently, we’re in dialogue with art curator and critic Gayatri Sinha of the Critical Collective. She’s working on a research paper for the project. All in all, we’re holistically addressing contemporary art and sculptures in public spaces.

How imperative is it for the arts to be resurrected in public spaces?

That’s exactly what we are trying to change. World over, art always always existed for public consumption — from the Renaissance palaces to temples in India. It goes without saying that art uplifts our soul. With this initiative, we’re going back to the artistic roots.

You are also an avid art collector. How significant is the role of the arts in today’s world?

All forms of art play a crucial role. It’s an emotion, a human thought, it is the reflection of the times we live in. It’s a social commentary and hence relevant in today’s world.

How important is it for corporate groups to step in to establish such art venues across the country?

Corporate India is necessary for funding such initiatives. The need of the hour is to collaborate together.