Established in 1936, Dhoomimal Gallery has been a pioneering institution in promoting and nurturing Indian arts and artists. Shri Ram Babu, a patron of artists, separated from the family printing business in Chawri Bazaar to open an art and stationery store at Connaught Place. Driven by his love for artists, he provided them with free art materials and printed monograms and greeting cards featuring their work to promote them. Artist often left their artworks as a gesture of appreciation. This gradually evolved into India's first gallery dealing in modern Indian art.
The gallery soon became a hub for artistic expression with the formation of the "Kalakar" club, where artists, critics, and art enthusiasts gathered to discuss and celebrate art. Notable artists like Sailoz Mookherjea, B.C. Sanyal, A.R. Chughtai, and Jamini Roy became close associates, playing a pivotal role in shaping the gallery.
Under the leadership of Mr. Ravi Jain in the mid-1970s and in close collaboration with artists like J. Swaminathan and F.N. Souza, the gallery entered its most glorious and active phase. Dhoomimal Gallery became the epicenter for various art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, poetry, and theater, attracting heads of state, diplomats, and art enthusiasts.
Many prominent artists, including Krishen Khanna, Satish Gujral, Anjolie Ela Menon, and Vivan Sundaram, had their first exhibitions at Dhoomimal. Following Ravi Jain's untimely passing in 1991, his wife, Uma Jain, established the Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation, which has since supported over 100 young artists, many of whom are now prominent names in the contemporary art scene.
Today, under the leadership of Uday and Sunaina Jain, Dhoomimal Gallery continues to be at the forefront of modern Indian art, boasting one of the best collections of modernists like F.N. Souza, Jamini Roy, and Krishen Khanna, while also showcasing the best of contemporary and emerging artists in India and abroad.
G-42, Outer Circle, G - Block
Connaught Place, New Delhi
110001
+91-11-41516056 | +91 8929599843
8-A, Inner Circle, A - Block
Connaught Place, New Delhi
110001
+ 91-11-41513391 | +91 8929599843
Email us at info@dhoomimalgallery.com